The Peoples Majilis has voted to accept an amendment to the Legal Profession Act, to describe additional sources of revenue for the Bar Council.

The bill was accepted by a unanimous vote of 42 members present at the time of the vote, and has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for consideration.

The bill, moved by Yoonus Ali, proposes four main amendments , regarding bar Council's income. At present the Bar Council is empowered to raise funds from fees paid by lawyers and fees for issuing, and renewing licenses. In addition, revenue will be collected from fines imposed as administrative or disciplinary measures and fees charged for services provided by the Bar Council.

In addition, the current legal requirement for applicants to complete a one-year training program will be changed and the Bar Council will be given the responsibility to develop and implement a training system most appropriate for Maldives.

The amendment also proposes to remove the requirement for those who have completed the special training program under the Act to take the bar examination and take the oath again after taking the special training program under the Act.

It is also proposed to further detail the types of complaints that can be submitted to the Bar Council.