India’s Ministry of Law and Justice has announced the release of the Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2026 for stakeholder and public consultation. The draft was prepared in consultation with the Bar Council of India, which placed the text on its official website on 18 July 2026. The consultation invited members of the profession, institutions, interested organisations and the wider public to submit comments and suggestions by 3.00 pm on 31 July 2026, using contact addresses provided by the Bar Council and the Department of Legal Affairs.
The Ministry stated that the inputs received would be examined before the legislative process proceeds and characterised the exercise as part of a transparent, participative and consultative approach to reform. At this stage, the document remains a draft rather than enacted legislation, and the consultation is the formal opportunity for stakeholders to identify practical, regulatory or drafting concerns before any final proposal is advanced. The initiative is significant because the Advocates Act provides the central statutory framework for the legal profession in India, making the consultation a profession-wide review process rather than a change confined to a single regulator or practice area.