New Delhi, February 21: The Bar Council of India (BCI) has called on Bar Associations in Delhi to restore normal court operations amid the ongoing strike by lawyers protesting the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025.
BCI Chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra, revealed that the Bar Council of India had extensive discussions on February 20, 2025, with the Union Law Minister, Law Secretary, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Law & Justice regarding the Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025.
These discussions led to significant clarifications and reassurances from the government regarding the concerns raised by the legal community, as per the Bar Council of India. Mishra explained, “We held in-depth discussions with the Hon’ble Law Minister, the Law Secretary, and their teams, where we addressed various reservations and concerns of the legal fraternity concerning the bill.”
Following these talks, the Law Minister assured the BCI that all contentious issues raised by the legal community would be thoroughly reviewed and resolved before the Bill’s finalization. The minister also affirmed that no provision contrary to the interests of the legal profession or its regulatory autonomy would be passed into law.
In light of the positive developments and the government’s constructive approach, the Bar Council of India has appealed to all Bar Associations and State Bar Councils to cease strikes and protests that could disrupt the administration of justice. “The government has shown a willingness to engage and address our concerns, and it is now crucial to continue dialogue rather than resort to strikes or boycotts,” the BCI stated.
A meeting of all State Bar Councils is set for February 23, 2025, to further assess the situation. If necessary, the Bar Council of India will call for a nationwide protest at an appropriate time. However, as of now, the BCI believes that there is no immediate need for any protests due to the government’s positive response to the legal community’s concerns.
The Bar Council of India reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights, interests, and privileges of advocates and emphasized the importance of maintaining the prestige of the legal profession while working with the government to ensure favorable amendments.