On 29 June 2025, the Bar Council of India (BCI) issued an official press release in response to statements made by the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF). In that release, the BCI took direct aim at SILF — calling it an exclusive club that represents just 2% of India’s more than 15,000 law firms.
According to the BCI, SILF has no statutory authority, no internal elections, and no real mandate to speak for the wider legal fraternity. The BCI announced that it will work to unite all Indian law firms — large, small, metro-based, and regional — into a broad-based democratic body that will truly represent the profession.
The press release referenced the 2025 BCI Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms, which were drafted in compliance with Supreme Court rulings and subject to rigorous legal scrutiny.
These rules:
-
Allow foreign lawyers only to advise on their home jurisdiction and international law
-
Explicitly prohibit them from practicing Indian law or appearing before Indian courts (Rules 8(2)(b) & 8(2)(c))
-
Follow globally accepted models in the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong
While SILF has argued that such reforms could “dismantle” Indian law firms, the BCI says this controlled, reciprocal entry will expand opportunities, particularly for young and mid-tier Indian firms.
The BCI’s 29 June 2025 press release also accused a few large firms of monopolizing corporate and arbitration work by leveraging foreign networks, leaving smaller and regional firms excluded from high-value cross-border work.
The BCI stated that its reforms are intended to:
-
Democratize access to global clients
-
Promote fair competition beyond elite circles
-
Develop India as a leading arbitration hub
The press release further claimed that SILF leaders have engaged in professional misconduct by issuing misleading public statements that undermine the authority of the BCI.
According to the Bar Council of India Rules, advocates must:
-
Maintain dignity and integrity at all times
-
Avoid deceptive publicity or sensational claims
-
Refrain from using the profession for personal or sectional gain
The BCI indicated that it is considering disciplinary action — including reprimand, suspension, or removal from the roll of advocates — against individuals found to be in breach of these standards.
In line with the press release and earlier notifications (including BCI’s resolution dated 12 June 2025), the Council announced plans to:
-
Convene a large-scale meeting in Mumbai
-
Invite all law firms — corporate, arbitration, litigation — to participate
-
Extend the deadline for written suggestions by 30 days
The BCI confirmed that final decisions will only be taken after hearing the views of all stakeholders at this meeting.
Why Lawyers Can’t Ignore This!
Whether you are a:
-
Young advocate seeking international exposure
-
Mid-tier firm aiming for cross-border work
-
Regional practitioner frustrated by metro dominance
…the reforms discussed in the 29 June 2025 press release could redefine your access to legal work for the next decade.
Can the BCI–SILF Conflict Be Resolved?
In my point of view, yes — this dispute can be resolved, but it requires strong oversight of all foreign-related legal work to maintain fairness and transparency.
While the BCI has a statutory mandate to protect the interests of all advocates, SILF’s concerns — even if voiced by a small segment — reflect genuine fears about market disruption and client migration. The real challenge is moving away from an “us vs. them” mindset and adopting a system that benefits all tiers of the profession.
My recommendation:
-
Mandatory Reporting of All Foreign Legal Assignments, Engagement, and Fees
Any legal matter, advisory engagement, or transaction involving a foreign party should be reported to the BCI before work begins, along with disclosure of the scope of work and fee structure. This would ensure transparency, prevent monopolies, and guarantee that cross-border opportunities are distributed fairly among Indian firms of different sizes.
If implemented, this approach could transform the current standoff into a framework for regulated openness — allowing global collaboration while safeguarding India’s legal sovereignty and equitable growth.
View the Press Release Download
