Bar Council of India opposes Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill SAYS IT UNDERMINES AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE OF BAR

WARNS OF NATIONWIDE PROTESTS

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NEW DELHI: The Bar Council of India (BCI) has raised strong objections to the Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was made public on February 13 for comments. In its official statement on Wednesday, the BCI expressed "profound concerns" regarding several provisions in the Bill, warning that its enactment could have "serious implications for the legal profession" and undermine the autonomy of the BCI.

The BCI claimed that two rounds of discussions were held between the BCI, the Law Secretary, and the Chief Controller of Accounts, where key issues were deliberated. However, the BCI alleged that despite an apparent consensus, certain provisions were "unilaterally inserted" into the draft Bill without consultation.

The BCI's statement read, "It is shocking that in the draft publication, several material changes have been made by some officials and the Ministry of Law. The very concept of autonomy and independence of the Bar is attempted to be demolished by this draft. Lawyers across the country are agitated, and strong protests are bound to occur if these deliberate and draconian provisions are not amended or removed immediately."

The BCI further warned that lawyers in Delhi District Courts have already gone on strike, and the protest is likely to spread nationwide unless the Ministry provides a positive assurance soon.