Advocates Amendment Bill Direct Assault On Autonomy Of Legal Profession: Stalin

M K Stalin alleged that since 2014, the BJP government has been "systematically undermining the independence of the Judiciary.

Chennai:Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday flayed the Centre over the Advocates Amendment Bill 2025, calling it "a direct assault on the autonomy of the legal profession." The BJP's aversion to Tamil is evident in this Bill, "as it wants to rename the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu & Puducherry as the Bar Council of Madras," he claimed. "Tamil Nadu is not just a name; it is our identity!" he said.

Taking to 'X,' the CM alleged that since 2014, the BJP government has been "systematically undermining the independence of the Judiciary—first by trying to hijack judicial appointments through the NJAC, then by ignoring the collegium's recommendations for judicial appointments and transfers." "Now, by seeking control over Bar Councils, it aims to weaken judicial independence by eroding the autonomy of the legal profession," he said.

"Though spontaneous protests and strong opposition to the Draft Bill forced the Union government to withdraw it, the rider that it will be reconsidered and processed afresh is condemnable," he said. The ruling DMK president said his party demands the total withdrawal of this Bill and "appeals to the Union Government to respect the autonomy of the legal profession."

Amid opposition to its various provisions from bar bodies, the government on Saturday said it will revise the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill as it ended the public consultations on it that started earlier this month.

The Department of Legal Affairs in the Union Law Ministry floated the draft bill on February 13 for public consultations. The government plans to amend the Advocates Act, 1961.