Govt Withdraws Controversial Advocates Act Amendment
After Lawyers’ Protest, Nadda Assures No Changes Without Consultation
Bilaspur/Shimla | March 6
Amid massive protests from the legal fraternity, the Union government has withdrawn the proposed amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961. BJP national president J.P. Nadda, who was in Bilaspur today, assured that the amendment, which had sparked outrage among lawyers nationwide, should be considered "withdrawn" after discussions with the Law Ministry.
“The concerns of the advocates have been taken seriously".
"I have personally spoken with the Law Ministry, and the amendment should be understood as withdrawn,” Nadda said, addressing the media in Bilaspur on March 6.
The move follows a nationwide protest by lawyers, including those in Himachal Pradesh, who abstained from court proceedings and raised slogans against the proposed changes.
The amendment had drawn sharp criticism for provisions seeking to ban lawyers’ strikes, increase government control in the Bar Council of India (BCI), and redefine legal practitioners to include corporate and foreign law firms.
In Himachal Pradesh, advocates boycotted work in district courts and the High Court.
The Shimla District Bar Association (SDBA) termed the amendment an attack on the independence of the legal profession.
"This was a direct attempt to curtail our rights. We welcome the withdrawal but will not tolerate any future moves to dilute our autonomy,” said SDBA President Niranjan Verma.
Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra had earlier written to Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, warning that the amendments could lead to “government overreach” in legal affairs.
The BCI had also called for an immediate rollback, threatening further agitation if the changes were not scrapped.
Following the protests, the Union Law Ministry officially announced the withdrawal of the draft bill, stating that it would be revised in consultation with all stakeholders.
With the government stepping back for now, lawyers have called it a victory but remain cautious.
“This battle may be won, but we will stay vigilant,” said a senior advocate from Himachal Pradesh.
