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India Gazette
29-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
BCI rebukes SILF over opposition to foreign law firm entry, reaffirms commitment to legal reform
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a detailed response to the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), rejecting its claim of representing the collective voice of the Indian legal fraternity and calling out its opposition to the regulated entry of foreign law firms into India. In a strongly worded statement, the BCI stated that SILF represents less than 2% of the country's 15,000+ law firms and functions as a private, self-appointed body with no statutory or democratic authority. Describing SILF as an elite group shielding narrow commercial interests, the BCI stated it does not speak for the broader legal community. Reinforcing its mandate under the Advocates Act, 1961, the BCI clarified that it is the sole statutory authority responsible for regulating legal education and practice in India. It emphasised that the 2025 Amended Rules, which permit foreign law firms to advise on foreign and international law (but prohibit them from practising Indian law or appearing in courts), were crafted in compliance with Supreme Court rulings and international standards. The BCI dismissed SILF's claims that there are no monopolies in the Indian legal sector, pointing instead to how a few large firms have cornered corporate and arbitration work through exclusive networks. It called SILF's continued resistance a protectionist stance, aimed at preserving existing advantages while excluding young and emerging firms from global opportunities. Criticising SILF's recent public statements, the BCI warned that some language used amounts to professional misconduct under the Bar Council Rules, especially provisions prohibiting misleading publicity and improper conduct by advocates. It announced that disciplinary action may be initiated against individuals responsible for such misrepresentations. The BCI reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive reforms, aimed at unifying law firms under a new democratic and representative platform. It welcomed feedback from law firms nationwide, extended its public consultation deadline, and announced plans to convene a large-scale meeting in Mumbai to finalise its policy decisions with inputs from all stakeholders. Rejecting SILF's claims that foreign entry would harm Indian legal interests, the BCI noted that many countries--including the UK and Singapore--allow foreign lawyers to offer advisory services without impacting domestic legal sovereignty. The BCI's model follows this globally accepted approach. In response, SILF President Lalit Bhasin recently claimed that BCI's allegations were unfounded and questioned whether the move would harm Indian law firms. While reiterating its support for the phased entry of foreign firms, SILF expressed concern over the implementation and alleged that Indian law firms--especially younger ones--are already thriving due to economic growth and digital advancement. The BCI maintained that its reforms are intended to level the playing field, modernise the legal profession, and position India as a global arbitration and legal hub. It emphasised that public sentiment and media support overwhelmingly favour the move and that obstructionist rhetoric from narrow interest groups will not derail progress. (ANI)
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
BCI rebukes SILF over opposition to foreign law firm entry, reaffirms commitment to legal reform
New Delhi: The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a detailed response to the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), rejecting its claim of representing the collective voice of the Indian legal fraternity and calling out its opposition to the regulated entry of foreign law firms into India. In a strongly worded statement, the BCI stated that SILF represents less than 2% of the country's 15,000+ law firms and functions as a private, self-appointed body with no statutory or democratic authority. Describing SILF as an elite group shielding narrow commercial interests, the BCI stated it does not speak for the broader legal community. Reinforcing its mandate under the Advocates Act, 1961, the BCI clarified that it is the sole statutory authority responsible for regulating legal education and practice in India. It emphasised that the 2025 Amended Rules, which permit foreign law firms to advise on foreign and international law (but prohibit them from practising Indian law or appearing in courts), were crafted in compliance with Supreme Court rulings and international standards. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Direct Shopping From Adidas Franchise Store, Up To 50% Off Original Adidas Shop Now The BCI dismissed SILF's claims that there are no monopolies in the Indian legal sector, pointing instead to how a few large firms have cornered corporate and arbitration work through exclusive networks. It called SILF's continued resistance a protectionist stance, aimed at preserving existing advantages while excluding young and emerging firms from global opportunities. Criticising SILF's recent public statements, the BCI warned that some language used amounts to professional misconduct under the Bar Council Rules, especially provisions prohibiting misleading publicity and improper conduct by advocates. It announced that disciplinary action may be initiated against individuals responsible for such misrepresentations. Live Events The BCI reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive reforms, aimed at unifying law firms under a new democratic and representative platform. It welcomed feedback from law firms nationwide, extended its public consultation deadline, and announced plans to convene a large-scale meeting in Mumbai to finalise its policy decisions with inputs from all stakeholders. Rejecting SILF's claims that foreign entry would harm Indian legal interests, the BCI noted that many countries--including the UK and Singapore--allow foreign lawyers to offer advisory services without impacting domestic legal sovereignty. The BCI's model follows this globally accepted approach. In response, SILF President Lalit Bhasin recently claimed that BCI's allegations were unfounded and questioned whether the move would harm Indian law firms. While reiterating its support for the phased entry of foreign firms, SILF expressed concern over the implementation and alleged that Indian law firms--especially younger ones--are already thriving due to economic growth and digital advancement. The BCI maintained that its reforms are intended to level the playing field, modernise the legal profession, and position India as a global arbitration and legal hub. It emphasised that public sentiment and media support overwhelmingly favour the move and that obstructionist rhetoric from narrow interest groups will not derail progress.
The Hindu
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
BCI hits back at Society of Indian Law Firms over foreign law firm rules
The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Thursday (June 19, 2025) pushed back against criticism from the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), the apex body of law firms in India, over its recent move to let foreign lawyers and law firms work in India in a limited capacity. Responding to SILF's public statements, the BCI — the regulatory authority for the legal profession — said the group does not speak for most Indian law firms, especially smaller and newer ones. 'It (SILF) functions primarily as a closed group dominated by a few large, well-established firms. Its stance and actions do not reflect the concerns or aspirations of more than 90% of India's smaller or emerging law firms,' BCI said. Also read: India warms to foreign law firms, but legal concerns simmer In May 2025, the BCI introduced a notification permitting foreign lawyers to function in non-litigious areas only. BCI said the decision was 'based on extensive consultations and overwhelmingly positive feedback from Indian law firms across the country'. 'Contrary to the misleading claims being circulated, these rules do not allow foreign lawyers to practice Indian law, litigate in Indian courts, or appear before any Indian tribunal or statutory authority,' it said. The rules restrict foreign law firms and lawyers strictly to advisory roles in non-litigious matters involving foreign law, international law, or international commercial arbitration, all subject to regulatory oversight and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Government of India. Committee set up BCI said it has already constituted a high-level committee chaired by Cyril Shroff and comprising senior partners from leading law firms, who have been tasked with reviewing the rules and incorporating feedback from stakeholders, including SILF. The council has also resolved to individually engage with law firms nationwide and are working to convene a national-level conference of Indian law firms in Mumbai this September. 'Old win in new bottle' While speaking to The Hindu last month, SILF chairman Lalit Bhasin while welcoming the entry of foreign law firms and lawyers in India raised a few legal concerns. Mr. Bhasin said the BCI's move might go against a 2018 Supreme Court ruling. While the earlier 2023 BCI notification was put on hold, he said that the latest notification feels like 'old wine in a new bottle'. He also suggested that Parliament should step in and amend the law to avoid confusion. On the other hand, the BCI targeted SILF saying it has 'historically acted to preserve its members commercial interests at the expense of young, deserving Indian lawyers and new legal practices striving to grow in an increasingly competitive and global legal arena'. BCI alleged that many of the firms comprising SILF have maintained 'close, long-standing professional affiliations with major foreign law firms'. 'These affiliations have enabled a parallel legal services economy, wherein foreign legal work is funnelled through select Indian firms. This has systematically denied fair opportunities to the vast majority of Indian legal practitioners,' it said. It also stated that SILF has, for over 20 years, opposed any serious engagement with foreign firms — hurting Indian law firms that want to grow internationally.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bar Council of India Opens Doors to Foreign Law Firms: Experts Demand Regulatory Clarity, ET LegalWorld
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has officially formalized the decision to open the Indian legal market to foreign law firms, a move that was first announced two years ago. While the step marks a significant milestone in the liberalization of the legal services sector, prominent legal expert Lalit Bhasin, President SILF (Society of Indian Law Firms) has called for caution, emphasizing the urgent need to amend the Advocates Act to provide a clear, legal framework for foreign lawyers. Speaking to ETLegalworld, Bhasin highlighted that India's approach to allowing foreign law firms remains cautious and structured, drawing parallels to regulated markets such as the UK and Singapore. 'India is not lagging behind,' he said, 'but unlike some countries where foreign firms face stringent conditions or local partnerships, India must ensure a fair and lawful system.' Advt Advt Bhasin criticized the Bar Council's recent move to issue regulations permitting foreign lawyers before the necessary legislative amendments, calling this approach 'putting the cart before the horse.' He warned that without amending the Advocates Act, these regulations risk being unenforceable and could damage India's legal veteran lawyer explained that while the legal profession initially opposed foreign entry in the 1990s due to concerns about competitiveness, by 2014 Indian firms had matured and welcomed foreign collaboration — provided there was a proper regulatory Supreme Court in 2018 reinforced that foreign lawyers cannot practice law in India without legislative backing. Despite this clarity, neither the government nor the BCI has taken decisive steps to amend the law. Instead, recent regulatory efforts appear to have been driven by pressures related to trade talks with the UK, according to Bhasin.'Reciprocity must be real,' Bhasin stressed, noting that while India allows foreign firms under conditions, the UK has yet to issue work permits to Indian law firms. He called for a 'level playing field' and urged the BCI to act more responsibly to safeguard the interests of India's over 1.2 million move to formally allow foreign law firms comes amid growing globalization of legal services and increasing demand for cross-border expertise. However, Bhasin insists that any policy should balance openness with protecting domestic legal talent and the rule of law. By , ETLegalWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETLegalWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App
India Gazette
10-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Justice Manmohan calls for agile legal framework to support trade, tech and trust
New Delhi [India], May 10 (ANI): The Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), in collaboration with the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) and the Indian National Association of Legal Professionals (INALP), on Saturday successfully hosted the International Legal Conference 2025 on the theme 'India's Legal and Regulatory Framework: Navigating International Trade Opportunities.' The conference brought together leading voices from the legal, policy, regulatory, and corporate sectors. The event was attended by Justice Manmohan, Judge of Supreme Court, as Chief Guest. Speaking at the inaugural session, Justice Manmohan said, 'At times, the complexities of international law and the constantly shifting regulatory environment can feel like navigating through a storm--unpredictable, fast-changing, and demanding sharp legal foresight. Today's global challenges--from cross-border intellectual property enforcement to fintech innovation, data privacy, cybersecurity, and the rise of artificial intelligence--require legal systems to be far more agile, interoperable, and forward-thinking. Yet even amid this turbulence, our constitutional values provide a steady vessel, and the rule of law remains our most reliable compass.' He further added, 'India's judiciary is committed to ensuring that the legal framework evolves in step with technological transformation and global trade dynamics. Initiatives like the e-Courts project and the Mediation Act represent a conscious shift toward greater efficiency, accessibility, and adaptability in the justice delivery system. By fostering legal innovation while preserving fairness and predictability, we can enable a regulatory ecosystem that not only upholds justice but also empowers sustainable economic growth in an interconnected world.'. Presenting the introductory remarks, Dr Lalit Bhasin, Chairperson- Conference and President, SILF said, 'The Conference has been organised by Services Export Promotion Council to explore avenues of exporting India's legal services overseas and also to welcome more collaboration and cooperation with the foreign legal fraternity. The Conference has explored India's evolving legal frameworks and their impact on international business, focusing on sectors such as Energy, Technology, Finance and Infrastructure. Experts have also discussed how to integrate ESG into the business model. Presentations were also made on the most topical issue today regarding Techno-Legal Regulations: AI, Data Privacy and Cybersecurity.' He further added, 'The Dispute Resolution mechanism in India, which is far from satisfactory, was also discussed and the recent steps taken by the Government of India to promote mediation were welcomed. It was also felt that there is an immediate need to liberalise India's legal market by deleting stringent conditions regarding advertising, etc.' Prominent dignitaries present at the conference included Dr Anju Rathi Rana, Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice, Dr. Lalit Bhasin, Chairperson- Conference and President, SILF; Dr Upasana Arora, Vice President, SEPC; Dr. Shardul S Shroff, Founder and Executive Chairman, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. and senior representatives from the Bar, Bench, top law firms, academia, industry, and regulatory bodies. The conference also paid tribute to the brave personnel of the Indian Armed Forces and offered heartfelt homage to those who lost their lives in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Against the backdrop of heightened cross-border tensions, participants stood in solidarity with the families of the fallen and reaffirmed their collective commitment to the principles of justice, national unity, and the rule of law. (ANI)
