The Bar Council of India (BCI) has released the Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing a comprehensive overhaul of the Advocates Act, 1961. Describing it as a “profession-first” reform, the BCI has invited comments and suggestions from Bar Councils, Bar Associations, advocates, judicial officers, academicians and other stakeholders by July 31, 2026, before the draft is finalised and forwarded for legislative consideration.
Among the key proposals is the statutory recognition of Indian law firms under the Advocates Act for the first time, along with a framework for their registration. The draft also proposes a regulatory regime for foreign lawyers and foreign law firms, while making it clear that they will not be permitted to practise before Indian courts, tribunals or statutory authorities and may operate only within the limited scope permitted under the Act.
The draft significantly expands the welfare functions of the Bar Council of India and State Bar Councils by enabling them to establish dedicated funds and trusts for insurance, pension, medical assistance, financial aid, social security, support for indigent advocates, advocates with disabilities, and dependants of advocates. It also seeks to make professional development programmes a statutory responsibility of the BCI and proposes the establishment of a National Legal Academy and centres of excellence in legal education.
The proposed amendments also seek to strengthen the regulation of legal education through a reconstituted Legal Education Committee with representation from the judiciary, Bar, Government and academia. Other notable proposals include increased representation of women in State Bar Councils, creation of Election Tribunals for resolving Bar Council election disputes, verification of advocates’ educational qualifications and practice, revised enrolment fees with concessions for certain categories, and alignment of disciplinary provisions with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
In a note accompanying the draft, the BCI said the proposed amendments are intended to modernise the legal profession while preserving its independence and strengthening institutional capacity. It clarified that the draft is part of a public consultation process and will acquire statutory force only after completion of the legislative process.