The Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) has formed a committee of lawyers to suggest changes to the recently notified Bar Council of India (BCI) rules allowing foreign lawyers and firms work in India.

The panel will be headed by Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas Chairman Shardul Shroff and will also comprise:

1. Senior Advocate Amarjit Singh Chandhiok

2. Jyoti Sagar 

3. V Lakshmikumaran 

4. Pallavi Shroff 

5. Uday Singh Ahlawat 

6. Varun Bajaj

SILF has also requested the BCI to keep the rules in abeyance for the time being. A letter sent by SILF President Lalit Bhasin states,

"Since BCI has realized that the Regulations need a second look it is requested that the Regulations may be kept in abeyance."

The BCI recently formed a committee to address concerns that Indian lawyers may have regarding the rules. The committee will be chaired by Managing Partner of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas Cyril Shroff and will comprise Ajay Bahl (AZB & Partners), Suhail Nathani (ELP), Sandip Bhagat (S&R Associates), Mahesh Agarwal (Agarwal Law Associates) and Amit Kapur (JSA) as other members.

Acknowledging this move, SILF said,

"Most of the members of the Committee as nominated by you are members of SILF. These members are bound by the unanimous Resolutions passed in their presence by SILF in its various meetings. The stand of SILF has been abundantly clear, that SILF is not opposed to the entry of foreign lawyers but the same has to be done in a phased sequential manner."

SILF has stated that its own committee will submit its suggestions by July 17. Among the issues on its agenda is:

"It has been SILF’s consistent view that the Advocates Act would require amendment to overcome the effect of the Hon’ble Supreme Court judgment which lays down that only Indian citizens can practice law in India. We do not think that the members as nominated by you will take any contrary view, being bound by SILF Resolutions."