BCI Tells Delhi HC It Needs No CJI or Centre Approval to Let Foreign Law Firms In

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has told the Delhi High Court that its 2022 rules allowing foreign law firms and foreign lawyers to register in India do not require approval from either the Chief Justice of India (CJI) or the central government. In proceedings initiated by Dentons Link Legal and CMS IndusLaw challenging these rules, BCI’s counsel argued that the regulatory framework is fully within the Council’s powers under the Advocates Act, 1961. The Court, however, was critical of the BCI Rules, calling them a “mess” due to provisions that allow severe penalties based on preliminary inquiries. The Bench requested BCI to consider amendments and asked for a detailed affidavit within two weeks. The issue raises major questions about bar autonomy, foreign legal practice, and the constitutional role of regulatory bodies in legal practice.