BCI Advocates Inclusive Legal Practice Amid Foreign Regulation Debate

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has commenced a nationwide consultative initiative, led by a high-level expert panel, to assess feedback on its revised 2025 regulations governing foreign lawyers and law firms in India. This move comes amid backlash from the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), which the BCI has criticized for monopolizing international legal opportunities and misrepresenting the interests of the broader Indian legal community.

The expert committee, chaired by renowned corporate lawyer Cyril Shroff, features prominent legal professionals like Ajay Bahl, Suhail Nathani, Sandip Bhagat, Mahesh Agarwal, and Amit Kapur. Their task is to gather stakeholder suggestions while affirming BCI's dedication to fairness and legal sovereignty. The Bar Council has called for written submissions from legal professionals and the public within 15 days, with consultation details available on its official website.

The BCI's statement targets what it labels SILF's 'obstructionist stance,' arguing the group only represents a select few established firms, excluding India's majority of small and mid-sized practices from international opportunities. The BCI asserts its amended 2025 Regulations are aimed at democratizing access to global legal practice for younger lawyers and underrepresented firms. Contrary to SILF's claims, BCI clarifies that foreign law firms are prohibited from practicing Indian law, appearing in courts, or handling Indian litigation matters. Foreign involvement is confined to advisory roles on international matters with strict boundaries, ensuring the protection of Indian legal sovereignty.

(With inputs from agencies.)