Archive · 21 Jul 2026
BCI Proposes Advocates Act Overhaul with Women's Quota
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has proposed a big update to the Advocates Act.
This update aims to make the legal profession better for Indian lawyers.
It suggests having more women in leadership roles, especially in areas that are often left out.
The BCI also wants to create funds to help lawyers with money, health, and other needs.
New lawyers will have to pay fees to join, but there are discounts for people from certain groups.
The BCI wants to make sure Indian lawyers are protected from foreign competition.
They also want to offer training in new areas like technology and international law.
These changes need to be approved by the government before they become official.
BCI proposes a Draft Advocates Act Amendment Bill, 2026, to modernize the legal profession.
Increased women's representation in state bar councils with four elected and three co-opted women members.
Creation of dedicated funds and trusts for financial assistance, pensions, insurance, and medical relief for advocates.
Revised enrolment fees with concessions for SC, ST, and disabled candidates.
Limited practice rights for foreign lawyers, restricted to international commercial arbitration with government approval.
- Who
- Bar Council of India (BCI)
- What
- Proposed Draft Advocates Act Amendment Bill, 2026
- When
- Draft proposed on July 18, 2026, with suggestions requested by July 31, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To modernize the statutory framework, enhance women's representation, and provide better welfare and professional development for lawyers.
BCI
Critics
Foreign Lawyers' Practice
BCI
The BCI seeks to limit foreign lawyers' practice to international commercial arbitration with strict conditions, protecting Indian practitioners from foreign competition.
Critics
Critics may argue that this restriction could limit global collaboration and the exchange of legal expertise.
- Proposed Women's Representation
- Four elected women members and three additional co-opted women advocates in councils with over 10,000 electorates.
- Enhanced Welfare Provisions
- Dedicated funds and trusts for financial assistance, pensions, insurance, medical relief, and support for indigent and disabled advocates.
- Revised Enrolment Fees
- Rs 18,000 to State Bar Council and Rs 4,500 to BCI, with concessions for SC, ST, and disabled candidates.
- Professional Development
- Structured training programs in AI, technology, cyber law, digital evidence, and international legal practice.
- Foreign Lawyers' Practice
- Limited to international commercial arbitration with prior government approval and subject to reciprocity.