The central government's proposed Higher Education and Research Bill, 2011 was Monday criticised by the Bar Council of India (BCI), regulator of legal profession and education, as an attempt to curb its independence.

The council called for observing Jan 20 as a protest day against the proposed bill.

The apex legal body said the proposed bill aimed at taking away the duties and functions entrusted to it and the state bar councils, a statement issued here said.

The bill proposed setting up a national commission, constituting academicians, to regulate legal education, it said.

The BCI said that the proposed legislation would deprive the representative of advocates to have their say in the formulation and implementation of policies involving legal education.