On February 13, 2025, India’s Ministry of Law and Justice issued a notification inviting public comments on the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This proposal aims to strengthen India’s legal framework by amending the Advocates Act, 1961, originally enacted to regulate the legal profession, protect client interests, and uphold professional standards. The Act established the Bar Council of India and State Bar Councils to oversee lawyers’ conduct and discipline nationwide.
As part of its ongoing reform efforts, the government seeks to enhance fairness, transparency, and accessibility in the legal profession. The proposed amendments address modern challenges and align legal education and practice with global standards. The focus is on improving legal training, preparing lawyers for a rapidly evolving world, and elevating professional benchmarks, with the ultimate goal of fostering a just, equitable society and supporting national development.
The draft bill and a tabular statement comparing existing provisions with proposed changes are available for review on the Department of Legal Affairs website. This consultation reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive reform, though the withdrawal of a similar draft earlier this year due to legal fraternity objections suggests potential contention. The process offers stakeholders a chance to shape the future of the legal profession, though the balance between modernisation and professional autonomy remains a critical point of scrutiny.