Lawyers protest against Advocates Bill shared as against Waqf law

Claim

A video is going viral on the social media site, X (formerly Twitter), showing Lawyers are protesting in large numbers by blocking the roads. The user, NATION MUSLIM (@AmjadAsR) shared a caption with the post: “Lawyers have blocked the roads and are protesting in large numbers against the Waqf Board Bill!! The lawyers’ slogan: ‘Dictatorship will not be tolerated under the protection of the MP — take back your black law!”

A protest scene in India showing a large group of lawyers gathered on a busy road, demonstrating against the Waqf Board Bill. The protestors, mostly dressed in black lawyer uniforms, are seen blocking traffic while raising slogans and holding signs. The image includes a tweet from the account "NATION MUSLIM" with Hindi text stating that lawyers have jammed the road in heavy numbers to protest the Waqf Board Bill. The tweet further mentions that the lawyers are chanting slogans such as “तानाशाही नहीं चलेगी” (dictatorship won't be tolerated) and demanding the withdrawal of what they call a “black law.” A video thumbnail shows the crowded protest, with police presence and chaos on the street. The video has over 75.8K views and was posted on April 5, 2025. This protest highlights rising legal and public opposition to controversial legislation related to Waqf properties in India.

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The user has shared the video on 5 April 2025.

Fact Check

To investigate the claim, DFRAC carefully watched the video. It was revealed that this protest was against the Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025. At 0:37 to 0:40 on the timestamp, this video is depicting a protest against the proposed the Bill at an unidentified location in Delhi. The reporter in the voice-over can only be heard saying, “Dilli ke tamaam.. inke khilaf jo kanoon laya tha...” The loose translation of this incomplete text means that lawyers from all over Delhi are protesting against the new Bill.

Subsequently, at 0:45 on the timestamp, a lawyer is holding a placard: The Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025. Words written after it are incoherent as the text is blurry due to the poor quality of the video.

Additionally, a keyword search reflected some news reports pertinent to the issue. One such news report in The Hindu (February 18, 2025), informed about the absence from work of the lawyers practicing in various district courts in Delhi. This was their protest against the proposed law.

Screenshot of a news article from The Hindu titled "Lawyers in Delhi courts to abstain from work over proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill," published on February 18, 2025, by journalist Ishita Mishra. The article highlights a coordinated protest by district court lawyers in Delhi against the Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025 introduced by the Union Law Ministry. According to the article, lawyers are abstaining from judicial work for the second consecutive day, claiming that the bill unjustly prohibits them from boycotting and abstaining from court duties—a right they consider fundamental. The article references a circular issued by the coordination committee of all District Courts Bar Association of Delhi, which announced a unanimous decision to boycott work on February 18, 2025. The bill is described as “unjust, unfair and biased” by the protesting lawyers. Icons for sharing, printing, and saving the article for later are visible alongside the author's photo and comment section.

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The lawyers have argued that the bill prohibits advocates from boycotting and abstaining from the court’s proceedings, which is an infringement of their rights.

Screenshot of a news article from ANI titled "Delhi Bar Associations call for abstention over proposed Advocate Amendment Bill 2025," updated on February 17, 2025, at 08:59 IST. The article reports that the Coordination Committee of All Bar Associations of Delhi unanimously decided to oppose the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025. It announces a complete strike from judicial work in all District Courts across Delhi on Monday, citing the bill as unjust and biased. The article includes a message from the association encouraging lawyers to support the protest to protect the dignity and independence of the legal profession. Judicial officers are also urged to show solidarity by avoiding adverse rulings on that day. The bill, introduced by the Government of India, seeks to amend the Advocates Act of 1961 to modernize legal regulations and enhance the legal framework. The article also notes that the original Advocates Act was designed to regulate the legal profession, protect client interests, and uphold professional standards.

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Subsequently, a news report by ANI (February 17, 2025), informs of the call against the Bill by the Delhi Bar Association.

Screenshot of a news article from The Indian Express titled "After Bar Council’s objection, lawyers’ protests, Centre withdraws contentious amendments to Advocates Act," published on February 23, 2025, at 07:52 IST. The article highlights the withdrawal of the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the Union Law and Justice Ministry following strong opposition from lawyers and the Bar Council of India. The bill, originally open for public consultation until February 28, aimed to amend the Advocates Act, 1961, but faced severe backlash from the legal community. The image in the article shows a large group of lawyers in formal attire protesting against the bill in Lucknow, raising their hands in opposition. A mobile preview on the right side features a story about the film Jaat starring Sunny Deol. The main story emphasizes the impact of collective action by legal professionals leading to policy withdrawal by the Centre.

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Moreover, a news report in the Indian Express (February 23, 2025), has informed about the Centre holding the Bill back after the protests by lawyers, and objections raised by the Bar Council.

Conclusion

Therefore, the fact check by DFRAC reveals the viral video to be misleading.

This video was shared on the social media on April 5, 2025, the day when the Waqf (Amendment) Act received the presidential assent by President Droupadi Murmu.