**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 976 on July 25, 2025, the Ministry of Law and Justice addressed rules governing foreign law firms and lawyers in India. The Bar Council of India (BCI) has established "Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2022," initially published on March 10, 2023, and subsequently amended in May 2025 (Notification No.BCI:D:33352025). These rules do not permit foreign lawyers or law firms to practice law in India in a general sense but restrict their engagement to non-litigious advisory work concerning foreign law, international law, and international arbitration.
The response indicates that the majority of Indian lawyers and law firms have accepted and welcomed the BCI regulations, anticipating reciprocal benefits for Indian lawyers and law firms in foreign countries.
The Supreme Court's ruling in Bar Council of India Vs. A.K. Balaji Ors. defines "practice of law" to include both litigious and non-litigious services, requiring compliance with the Advocates Act. The 2022 Rules, as amended in 2025, are designed to implement this ruling by establishing a legally sound system for regulating foreign legal advisory services, consistent with statutory mandates and constitutional principles.
The response acknowledges that Indian advocates face onerous restrictions such as qualifying tests, experience requirements, and work permits when seeking to practice law in countries such as the U.K., the U.S., and Australia.
Key Entities Referenced
Bar Council of India: The professional body that regulates the legal profession in India. It has framed rules permitting foreign law firms and lawyers to practice in India under certain restrictions.
Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2022: The specific regulations framed by the Bar Council of India governing the practice of foreign lawyers and law firms in India, focusing on non-litigious advisory work.
Supreme Court of India: The highest judicial body in India, which in March 2018, ruled on the practice of law by foreign firms and lawyers, and whose interpretation is implemented by the Bar Council's rules.
Advocates Act: The Indian legislation that governs the legal profession and whose compliance is required for the 'practice of law' as interpreted by the Supreme Court.
United Kingdom: A country where Indian lawyers face restrictions to practice law, requiring qualifying tests, proof of experience, and work permits.
United States of America: A country where Indian lawyers face restrictions to practice law, requiring qualifying tests, proof of experience, and work permits.
Australia: A country where Indian lawyers face restrictions to practice law, requiring qualifying tests, proof of experience, and work permits.
Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal: Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
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.
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