“However, considering the number of suggestions and concerns received, it has been decided to conclude the consultation process now,” it said.Based on the feedback received, the draft bill, “as revised”, will be processed afresh for consultations with stakeholders, the ministry said.Several bar bodies had opposed certain provisions of the draft bill.The opposition Congress had also backed the protesting lawyers, saying the bill was not only “poorly drafted”, but it also failed to address pertinent issues facing the legal fraternity.The draft bill defines a legal practitioner as an advocate or a law graduate engaged in the practice of law before courts, tribunals or quasi-judicial forums or doing legal work in any private or public organisation, including but not limited to statutory and autonomous bodies, domestic and foreign law firms and corporate entities.As of now, a legal practitioner means an advocate or a “vakil” of any high court, a pleader, a “mukhtar” or revenue agent.While putting the draft bill in the public domain, the ministry had said these amendments aimed at aligning the legal profession and legal education with global best practices.The reforms will focus on improving legal education, equipping lawyers to meet the demands of a rapidly-changing world and raising professional standards, it had said.
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