New Delhi

The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Wednesday raised key issues concerning the legal fraternity, as its Chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra, held an extensive meeting with Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister for Law and Justice, to discuss welfare initiatives, statutory safeguards, and reforms affecting advocates across the country.

Describing the interaction as positive and forward-looking, Mishra said the discussions covered insurance and mediclaim facilities for advocates and their families, the status of the proposed Advocates Protection Act, and select amendments to the Advocates Act.

He noted that the Centre has already addressed the Bar's earlier concerns by deleting contentious provisions, reflecting a willingness to engage with stakeholders.

The BCI Chairman, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, stressed the need to revise the enrolment fee, strengthen Bar Councils and Bar Associations, and expand the Legal Education Committee to keep pace with evolving professional and educational requirements.

Mishra further stated that the government led by Narendra Modi is committed to launching structured welfare schemes for advocates and their dependents. To enable the implementation of insurance and medi-claim benefits, advocates have been asked to submit their personal and dependent details to the BCI through their respective Bar Associations or State Bar Councils within 15 days by completing the Google Forms circulated for this purpose.

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On the legislative side, Mishra informed that the Advocates Protection Act is presently being finalised by the Law Commission of India and is expected to be placed before Parliament in the upcoming session, a move seen as a significant step towards ensuring security and dignity for members of the legal profession.