Bar Council of India Calls For Lawyers To Resume Work Following ‘Constructive’ Talks With Law Minister

Advocates Amendment Bill

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has urged Bar Associations in Delhi to ensure the continuous operation of judicial proceedings despite the ongoing legal strike opposing the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025.

BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra stated that the Council engaged in extensive deliberations with the Union Law Minister, the Law Secretary, and senior officials from the Ministry of Law & Justice on February 20, 2025. These discussions provided substantial clarifications and affirmative assurances addressing concerns raised by the legal fraternity regarding the draft bill.

“We conducted a comprehensive discourse with the Hon’ble Law Minister, the Law Secretary, and senior Ministry officials. Subsequently, we held a focused discussion with the Law Secretary and his team, thoroughly evaluating the concerns, reservations, and expectations of the legal community regarding the bill,” the BCI stated.

Following these deliberations, the Law Minister assured the BCI that all contentious provisions flagged by legal professionals would undergo rigorous scrutiny and be suitably amended before the bill’s enactment.

Furthermore, he unequivocally affirmed that no legislative provision would be introduced that compromises the legal profession’s interests or undermines its regulatory autonomy.

In response to these assurances, the BCI has directed all Bar Associations and State Bar Councils to refrain from strikes or other disruptive forms of protest that could hinder the administration of justice.

“The government has demonstrated a constructive stance and has exhibited receptiveness to our recommendations. Thus, it is imperative to prioritize dialogue and negotiation over adversarial tactics such as strikes or boycotts,” the statement declared.

A crucial meeting of all State Bar Councils is scheduled for February 23, 2025. The BCI emphasized that if circumstances necessitate collective action, it will organize a nationwide demonstration at an appropriate juncture.

However, given the government’s current cooperative approach in addressing legal practitioners’ concerns, immediate protest measures are unwarranted.

The BCI reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights, interests, and professional privileges of legal practitioners.

“Let us collectively uphold the integrity of the legal profession and strengthen our engagement with the government to secure amendments that are both equitable and judicious,” the statement concluded.