ADVOCATES (AMENDMENT) BILL 2023

Repeal of Sections Related to Touts

●The Bill repeals certain sections under the Legal Practitioners Act 1879 that pertain to touts.

●Touts, in the context of this amendment, are individuals who engage in activities such as proposing to procure or procuring the employment of a legal practitioner in exchange for payment.

Empowerment of Authorities to Frame Lists

●The Bill empowers specific authorities, including High Courts, district judges, session judges, district magistrates, and revenue officers not below the rank of a district collector, to frame and publish lists of touts. These lists are intended to identify individuals engaged in tout activities.

●The authorities have the discretion to exclude any person whose name is included in the list of touts from the premises of the court.

Preparation of Lists through Inquiry

●The authorities tasked with framing the lists of touts may direct subordinate courts to conduct inquiries into the conduct of individuals suspected or alleged to be touts.

●Once a person is proven to be a tout through the inquiry process, their name may be included in the list of touts. The Bill ensures that no person is included in these lists without being allowed to present a defence or show cause against their inclusion.

Penalties for Acting as a Tout

●The amendment introduces penalties for individuals who continue to act as touts after their names have been included in the list. Such individuals may face imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to Rs 500, or both.

●This provision is designed to deter individuals from engaging in tout activities and reinforces the consequences for violating the regulations established by the Bill.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What is the step-by-step process in the Indian Parliament for passing a bill, and what are the key stages and requirements involved in this legislative procedure?