'Anti-Lawyer': Bar Council Of West Bengal Resolves To Abstain From Judicial Work Over Advocates (Amendment) Bill On 24th Feb

The Bar Council of West Bengal in a press release dated 21st February 2025, resolved to abstain from all judicial work on Monday, 24th February in protest against the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

“…Council is surprised after going through the draft of the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in which the Central Government attempted to curtail the right and privilege of the Advocates. The Central Government is attempted to take power and privilege of the Bar Council of the state. The attempt of amending the Advocates Act is not only anti lawyer but an attempt to supersede the power of the elected members and to take control through back door,” the note reads. 

“Considering the proposed amendment, the members of the council unanimously resolved that all the Bar Association of the West Bengal will abstain from participation in judicial works on 24 February, 2025 (Monday) and also demonstrate agitation against the proposed draconian amendment of the Advocates Act,” it added.

Notably, the Bill which seeks to amend the Advocates Act has faced great backlash across the country, with the Bar council of India stating that the bill takes away from the independence of the Bar.

However, the BCI has also asked lawyers bodies to refrain from going on strike, citing the Law Minister's assurance of listening to any concerns.