Though the Law Commission has invited office-bearers of state bar councils for consultations to New Delhi on July 9, there is a demand for heads of district-level bar associations to be included too. Members of Bar Associations and Law Commission members are also irked with what they term the ‘silence’ of Bar Council of India chairman on crucial aspects of the proposed bill to amend the Advocates Act. The Bar Council of Gujarat has invited suggestions from district Bar Associations by July 2. Part-time member of the Law Commission and senior advocate from the state Bar Abhay Bhardwaj has alleged the Bar Council of India chairman has not made his stand clear on the proposed bill. He has further alleged in Annexure 3, the Law Commission has suggested framing strict rules for practicing advocates and making them accountable. Expressing disappointment, Bhardwaj has said the chairman has kept mum even on this feature. Though the proposed bill suggests allowing lawyers from foreign countries to practice in the country, the BCI chairman has said nothing. This has not only disappointed advocates, but also hurt their sentiments, claimed Bhardwaj. He has demanded that the Law Commission invite district bar association presidents from across the nation to submit their suggestions. Advocates had observed a nation-wide strike against the proposed bill in April. The union government had promised advocates and councils that their suggestions would be taken into consideration before tabling the bill in the house. The Law Commission had drafted the bill to comply with the Supreme Court order calling for accountability among practicing advocates.

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