The BCI recently filed its response to the plea and defended the decision to allow foreign law firms to work in India, arguing that the move will benefit Indian lawyers as well.
The BCI said that it will hold consultations with stakeholders to address issues in the Bar Council of India Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2022 raised by Indian lawyers and law firms.
“The Bar Council of India is in the process of making certain necessary amendments in these Rules and Regulations in order to ensure the factum of reciprocity in letter and spirit…The amendments would be aimed at a greater collaboration between foreign and Indian lawyers, and towards a more inclusive and integrated legal system in India,” the reply stated.
Among the provisions being amended, the BCI says, are those pertaining to reciprocity and the fly-in, fly-out model that allows foreign lawyers to operate in India for a maximum of 60 days in any period of 12 months.
“Even “the fly in and fly out” entry has to be regulated. The Bar Council of India is proposing to make these changes in the light of observations of apex court very soon. The Bar Council of India recognizes the need for specific amendments to the current Rules and Regulations. The objective is to ensure that the principle of reciprocity is not only adhered to in writing but also in its true spirit.”
Source: Barandbench
