Lok Sabha Question No. 976 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-25
Subject: Rules Governing Foreign Law Firms and Lawyers
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE

## DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 976 ANSWERED ON 25.07.2025

Rules Governing Foreign Law Firms and Lawyers

## 976. Shri Selvaganapathi T.M.:

## Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the Bar Council of India has come out with a set of rules permitting foreign law firms and lawyers to practice in India;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is also a fact that the entire legal fraternity in India is against allowing foreign law firms or lawyers to practice in India since the year 2000;
- (d) whether it is also a fact that the hon'ble Supreme Court way back in March 2018, had  ruled  that  foreign  law  firms  and  foreign  lawyers  could  not  practice  law  in  the country either on the litigation or non-litigation side; and
- (e) whether it is also a fact that Indian lawyers were not allowed to practice in many countries such as the U.K., the U.S., Australia etc. without complying with onerous restrictions such as qualifying tests, proof of experience and work permits?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE   MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

- (a) & (b) Yes, the Bar Council of India has framed the " Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2022 ,"  which were duly  published  in  the  Official  Gazette  on  10th  March  2023.  These  rules  were subsequently amended in May 2025 and re-notified vide Notification No.

BCI:D:3335/2025. These Rules do not allow foreign lawyers or law firms to "practice in  India"  in  the  general  sense.  Rather,  they  strictly  regulate  and  restrict  their engagement to non-litigious advisory work concerning foreign law, international law, and international arbitration. (c) A vast majority of Indian Lawyers and Indian Law Firms have happily accepted and welcomed the Regulations of Bar Council of India permitting foreign lawyers and law firms to practice in limited field and non-litigious matters as Indian Lawyers and Law  Firms  are  also  going  to  be  benefitted  in  getting  the  same  benefit  in  foreign countries. (d) The Supreme Court in Bar Council of India Vs. A.K. Balaji & Ors. laid down an authoritative and binding interpretation of "practice of law" which covers both litigious and non-litigious services. It required compliance with the Advocates Act for all such activity. The Rules framed by the Bar Council of India in 2022 and amended in 2025 implements this direction by creating a legally sound and narrowly tailored system for regulating foreign legal advisory services, consistent with the statutory mandate and constitutional principles governing the Indian legal profession. (e)

Yes, Indian advocates are not allowed to practice law in U.K., U.S.A., Australia and other foreign nations except on fulfilling onerous restrictions like qualifying tests, experience, work permit, etc.

*****