RBI Directive may open backdoor entry of foreign law firm in India Apprehends Bar Council of Del hi

(Judicial Quest News Service)

The Bar Council of Delhi addressing a letter the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi,on July 29th have expressed their concern about the permission granted to the foreign law firms to open their office in SEZ ares in India.

The BCD further submits that the issue is not of recent origin, but in the last almost three decades there has been attempts made for entry of foreign law firms in India. The attempts were consistently opposed by the Bar Council of India and State Bars.

In this regard, the Apex court had also passed an oreder in Bar Council of India Vs A. K Balaji and others. Directing the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to not permit opening of foreign law firms in the country, nor to review the permissions already granted to foreign law firms before the court’s orders.

The BCD contended that the “Master Directions”have the effect of permitting foreign law firms to open offices within SEZ’s and are contrary to the provisions of the Advocate Act 1961.Further these decisions have been taken unilaterally and they thus violate the provisions of reciprocity under the Act, 1961.

“We want the government to direct the RBI to withdraw  the “ Master Directions” and also the amendment of rule 70 of SEZ rule is so far as they relate to the legal profession directly.”

The BCD also contended that the big four audit and consulting firms not to order legal services in India