Advocates Bill leaves legal industry divided

THE DRAFT ADVOCATES (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was circulated last week for public feedback, has left the legal industry a house divided.

- JYOTSNA BHATNAGAR

THE DRAFT ADVOCATES (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was circulated last week for public feedback, has left the legal industry a house divided. While most companies are supporting the Bill, law firms—particularly the family-owned ones—have expressed serious concerns.

The draft has been flagged by the Bar Council of India (BCI) for its "draconian provisions". In a letter to the ministry, BCI has said the very concept of autonomy and independence of the Bar is attempted to be demolished. Apart from the entry of foreign legal firms and lawyers, it also has objected to provisions that would give the government more control over BCI, including the introduction of up to three government nominees on it.

However, senior advocate DP Singh welcomed the proposed reforms. "The entry of foreign law firms with the suggested regulations and limitations should be welcome as India, which is aspiring for a leadership role in the world, should be open to such changes," he said.

Pankaj Agarwal, advocate, Supreme Court, and arbitrator & mediator, said, "Interesting changes have been made in certain definitions, including that of legal practitioners, which propose to include corporate lawyers, in-house counsels, and those engaged in legal work in private and public organisations, statutory bodies, and foreign law firms."