BCI Clarifies Restrictions on Unregistered Tie-Ups Between Indian and Foreign Law Firms, Revises Earlier Release [Read Press Release]
BCI issues fresh clarification reaffirming restrictions on unregistered collaborations between Indian and foreign law firms after withdrawing earlier press releases.
Bar - council - India - taxscan
Bar - council - India - taxscan
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a new press release to clarify the rules on collaborations between Indian and foreign law firms. The clarification, which was released on October 21, replaces an earlier notice that had named some Indian firms in connection with alleged unauthorised tie-ups.
The new release came after the Delhi High Court asked the BCI to withdraw its earlier August 5 press release and issue a fresh one. The earlier notice had mentioned specific law firms, which one of them, Dentons Link Legal, challenged in court, calling the statement “defamatory and prejudicial.”
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela recorded the BCI’s assurance that it would withdraw the earlier notice and issue a fresh, neutral clarification after reviewing the matter. The court also directed the BCI to file its counter-affidavit and extended an interim order restraining the regulator from taking any final decision on the show-cause notice against Dentons Link Legal.
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In the revised press release, the BCI said it wanted to explain the regulatory framework rather than accuse anyone. It clarified that both the new and old press releases do not declare any firm guilty, but simply record that show-cause notices have been issued to some firms, and more may follow.
The BCI reaffirms that foreign lawyers and law firms are not allowed to practice Indian law or appear in Indian courts. They can only advise on foreign or international law, and only after proper registration with the BCI. Any joint branding, partnerships, or promotional claims suggesting a single global firm without registration are not allowed.
The Council also urged all Indian law firms to review their websites, social media, and public announcements to make sure they follow the rules against advertising and unauthorised collaborations.
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