Rehan Khan
The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association has unanimously decided to abstain from work on February 24 in protest against the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Act, 2025. The decision was taken by the association’s executive committee on February 21.
Acting President Jasdev Singh Brar and Honorary Secretary Swarn Singh Tiwana stated that the move reflects the legal fraternity’s strong dissatisfaction with the Bill, which they believe contains provisions that could adversely impact advocates and the judiciary.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has already raised objections to the proposed legislation, which was made public for comments on February 13. Expressing profound concerns, the BCI has argued that certain provisions of the Bill, if enacted, could have far-reaching consequences for the legal profession’s autonomy and overall judicial framework. Further developments on the Bill and responses from the government are awaited.