Govt to Amend Advocates Act, Invites Public Suggestions
The government has set a deadline of February 28, 2025, for submitting comments via email.
Govt – Amend Advocates Act – Invites Public Suggestions – TAXSCAN
Govt – Amend Advocates Act – Invites Public Suggestions – TAXSCAN
In a significant move to reform the legal profession in India, the Government has proposed amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961. The Department of Legal Affairs has drafted the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and has invited public feedback on the proposed changes.
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The Advocates Act, 1961, originally enacted to regulate the legal profession, established the Bar Council of India (BCI) and State Bar Councils to oversee advocates' conduct and discipline. However, with evolving legal and professional landscapes, the Act requires modernization to address contemporary challenges.
Key Proposed Amendments
The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in the legal profession.
Major proposed changes include:
- Introduction of an Advisory Board – A Board of Advisors will be constituted by the BCI to oversee the development of legal education, research, and profession.
- Strengthening Legal Education – The Bill proposes setting uniform standards for law courses, making the Bar Examination mandatory, and establishing regulations for the recognition of foreign law degrees.
- Regulation of Legal Practice – A verification system will be introduced for advocates' educational certificates and places of practice. Additionally, law firms operating in India will be required to register and comply with the BCI’s regulations.
- Stronger Disciplinary Actions – The definition of misconduct has been expanded to include professional negligence, court boycotts, and fraudulent practices. The BCI will be empowered to take swift action against erring advocates.
- Representation & Elections – The electoral process for State Bar Councils and the BCI will be reformed to ensure fairness and eligibility criteria will be strengthened.
- Welfare Provisions – The Bill suggests new welfare schemes for advocates, including financial assistance for indigent lawyers and provisions for continuing legal education.
Public Consultation & Next Steps
The Government has urged legal professionals, academicians, and the public to provide their inputs. Comments on the draft Bill can be sent to dhruvakumar.1973@gov.in and impcell-dla@nic.in before February 28, 2025.
With these amendments, the Government seeks to modernize India’s legal system, ensuring fairer, more ethical, and globally competitive legal practices.
To Read the full text of the Order CLICK HERE
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