Lok Sabha Passes Key Bill to Regulate Legal Profession and Tackle ‘Touts’

Lok Sabha Passes Key Bill to Regulate Legal Profession and Tackle 'Touts'

VoM News Desk | December 4, 2023 | 09:19 PM IST | Politics | Follow on Google News

Lok Sabha Passes Key Bill to Regulate Legal Profession and Tackle ‘Touts’

Lok Sabha Passes Key Bill to Regulate Legal Profession and Tackle ‘Touts’

In a significant move, the Lok Sabha passed a bill on Monday aimed at regulating the legal profession under a single act, with a focus on eliminating the role of ‘touts’ in India’s courts. This bill, already approved by the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon session, marks the first legislative action of the Winter session. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighted the bill’s intention to rid the country’s courts of such entities. The bill authorizes high courts and district judges to frame and publish lists of touts—individuals who procure clients for legal practitioners in exchange for payment.

Efforts to Repeal Outdated Colonial Laws

The Narendra Modi-led government has initiated the repeal of colonial-era laws deemed obsolete. As stated by Minister Meghwal, 1,486 such laws have been repealed under the current administration, contrasting with the inaction during the previous ten years of the UPA government led by Manmohan Singh. Additionally, Meghwal acknowledged the suggestion to formulate a policy on the transfer of judges, indicating the government’s willingness to collaborate with the judiciary and the Chief Justice of India on this matter.

Parliamentary Members Weigh In on the Legislation

Various members of Parliament expressed their views on the bill. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram pointed out the need to address the underlying complexity of the legal system that allows touts to thrive. BJP member Jagdambika Pal welcomed the amendments, while DMK member A Raja criticized the government’s approach as encroaching on state powers. Other members, including Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, emphasized the need for strengthening legal aid and removing high-paid lawyers-cum-touts. BJD member Bhartruhari Mahtab suggested promoting a digital interface between lawyers and clients, and NCP’s Supriya Sule called for comprehensive measures against the menace of touts.

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