By Rajesh Pandey
In response to a call given by the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh, lawyers across the state united in protest against the proposed amendment to the Advocates Act on February 21, 2025. The protest witnessed widespread participation, as legal professionals expressed their discontent over the changes that they believe threaten the autonomy of the Bar Council.
The Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh had earlier written a formal letter to all bar associations in the state, urging lawyers to stand in solidarity against the proposed amendment. As a mark of their protest, lawyers wore black ribbons on their arms to signify their opposition. In addition to this symbolic demonstration, the legal fraternity has also decided to intensify their movement by staging a complete boycott of judicial work on February 25, 2025. This mass abstention from work is intended to further highlight their firm stance against the proposed changes in the AAdvocatesAct.
According to the Bar Council, the proposed amendment poses a serious threat to the independence of the legal profession. The new provision, which seeks to introduce Section 49(b) in the Advocates’ Act, would grant the central government the authority to mandatorily issue directives to the Bar Council. Legal experts and representatives of the Bar Council strongly believe that such a move would undermine the self-governing nature of the legal body and erode its independent decision-making powers.
Furthermore, the amendment includes provisions that would alter the leadership structure within the Bar Council. As per the proposed changes, members of the Bar Council will no longer be able to head key committees. Instead, a judge will be appointed to lead these committees, replacing the elected representatives of the Bar Council. This proposed shift in leadership has been met with strong resistance, with the Bar Council describing it as a direct assault on its autonomy and a deviation from democratic principles that govern legal institutions.
Given these concerns, the Bar Council has put forth a set of demands to safeguard the interests of legal practitioners and maintain the democratic framework of the Bar Council. Firstly, it has urged the government to introduce an Advocates’ Protection Act to ensure the safety and well-being of lawyers and their families. The council has stressed that legal professionals often face risks and threats in the line of duty, and it is imperative to have legislative measures in place to protect them.
Additionally, the Bar Council has also called for financial security measures for lawyers. One of their key demands includes the implementation of a Mediclaim policy worth Rs 10 lakhs for lawyers to cover medical expenses in case of illness or injury. Moreover, the council has insisted that an insurance claim of Rs 10 lakhs be provided to the family of any lawyer who passes away while practicing in the state. These financial safeguards, according to the Bar Council, would provide much-needed relief to the legal community and their dependents.
As the protests continue to gain momentum, the Bar Council remains steadfast in its opposition to the proposed amendment, emphasizing the need to preserve the independence of the legal profession. Lawyers across Uttar Pradesh have resolved to fight for their rights and ensure that their voices are heard by the authorities. With their upcoming strike on February 25, they aim to send a strong message that any attempt to curtail the powers of the Bar Council will not be accepted without resistance.