Why is it in the news?

• Recently, the Lok Sabha passed the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, introduced by the Ministry of Law and Justice.
• The bill aims to amend the Advocates Act of 1961, which consolidates legislation related to legal professionals, establishes Bar Councils, and forms the All-India Bar.

Key Features of the Bill

• The bill repeals specific sections related to touts under the Legal Practitioners Act of 1879.
• Every High Court, district judge, sessions judge, district magistrate, and revenue officer (not below the rank of a district collector) is empowered to frame and publish lists of touts.
• The Court or judge may exclude from the premises of the Court any person whose name is included in the list of touts.
• Authorities empowered to frame and publish the list of touts may order subordinate courts to hold an inquiry into the conduct of persons alleged or suspected to be touts.
• Any person acting as a tout while his name is included in the list of touts will be subject to punishment, including imprisonment up to three months, a fine up to Rs 500, or both.