Lawyers Protest against Advocates Amendment Bill 2025

Lawyers across Uttar Pradesh staged widespread protests against a proposed amendment to the Advocates Act, 1961, which seeks to prohibit advocates from boycotting court proceedings or abstaining from work. The Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh has called for a statewide strike on February 25, urging lawyers to boycott work in all district courts and the high court in opposition to the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill proposed by the Union Law Ministry.

In the state capital, Lucknow, lawyers from the district court organized a protest march from the Old High Court Crossing to the GPO Crossing in Hazratganj. Heavy police presence was deployed at the busy Hazratganj intersection, with barricades erected to prevent protesters from moving toward the Vidhan Sabha, where the budget session is currently underway. The protest caused significant traffic disruptions, with congestion lasting over 30 minutes. After prolonged negotiations, the lawyers eventually called off their demonstration.

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Similar protests were reported in other major cities, including Prayagraj, Kanpur, Agra, Aligarh, and West Bengal where lawyers boycotted court proceedings and took to the streets. In Agra, lawyers gathered at the Collectorate, raised slogans, and submitted a memorandum to officials. In Hathras, lawyers wore black bands as a sign of protest, while in Aligarh, they marched through the streets.

The most contentious provision in the draft amendment is Section 35A, which states that no association of advocates or individual lawyers can call for a boycott or abstention from court work, or cause any obstruction in court functioning. Violations of this provision could result in disciplinary action. The Lucknow Bar Association has strongly opposed this clause, claiming that it undermines the rights of lawyers.

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The draft amendment includes a new clause that bars the State Bar Council from enrolling individuals convicted of offenses punishable by three or more years of imprisonment. In the Braj region, lawyers staged protests, with Agra Collectorate Bar Association secretary Lokendra Sharma warning of escalated demonstrations if the amendment is not withdrawn. Lawyers in the region also formed human chains to voice their opposition.

The statewide protests have expressed the legal community’s concerns over the proposed changes, with many arguing that the amendments infringe on their professional autonomy and right to protest. The situation remains tense as lawyers prepare for a statewide strike on February 25.

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