Law Ministry ends consultation on draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025; revised draft to be consulted afresh
The Union Law Ministry said on 22 February 2025 that it had concluded public consultation on the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and that a revised draft would be processed afresh for consultation, after objections from the Bar Council of India and lawyers' protests.
Summary
On 22 February 2025 the Ministry of Law and Justice said the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, put up for public consultation on the website of the Department of Legal Affairs on 13 February, had drawn many suggestions and concerns, so the consultation was concluded and the draft, as revised, would be processed afresh for consultation with stakeholders. The draft, which sought to amend the Advocates Act, 1961, had been open for comments until 28 February and faced strikes by lawyers and objections from the Bar Council of India, whose chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said it endangered the BCI's autonomy. The BCI, a statutory body under the Advocates Act, 1961, welcomed the decision and urged lawyers to refrain from protests or strikes.
Key facts
- Date
- 22 February 2025
- Draft
- Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Published for consultation
- 13 February 2025, Department of Legal Affairs website
- Act to be amended
- Advocates Act, 1961
- Outcome
- Consultation concluded; revised draft to be consulted afresh
- BCI
- Welcomed the decision; urged lawyers to refrain from strikes
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, whose consultation was concluded on 22 February 2025, sought to amend which law?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Advocates Act, 1961
The draft sought to amend the Advocates Act, 1961; it drew objections from the Bar Council of India and lawyers.
On which website was the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025 placed for public consultation on 13 February 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Department of Legal Affairs
The Law Ministry said the draft was made available for public consultation on the website of the Department of Legal Affairs on 13 February 2025.