Bar Council of Delhi writes to PM Narendra Modi against entry of foreign law firms in SEZs in India

The Bar Council of Delhi has written a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising “serious objections” against the entry of foreign law firms in the Special Economic Zones in India..In its letter dated July 29, the Bar Council of India has expressed its reservations with respect to foreign law firms opening offices in SEZs in India..The letter reads,.“..The consistent stand of the Bar Councils and Bar bodies has been against the entry of foreign lawyers/firms in India, which has not undergone any change. It also seems that the permission to foreign law firms to open an office in SEZ areas in India has been taken without the concurrence of Bar Council of India and State Bar Councils, unilaterally in violation of the provisions if the reciprocity under The Advocates Act, 1961.”.Challenging the Reserve Bank of India’s ‘Master Circular’ allowing the opening to the offices of foreign law firms in SEZs in India, the BCD has stated,.“..it is amply clear from the judgment of the Supreme Court (in Bar Council of India vs AK Balaji) that foreign lawyers/law firms cannot be allowed entry in India nor can they be permitted to open an office in any manner.”.It is further asserted that the decision is “highly arbitrary, uncalled for and contrary to the interests of the legal fraternity in India“..The BCD has thus requested the Prime Minister to deal with the issue expeditiously and withdraw the decision..“we would humbly request your honour to direct withdrawal of the ‘Master Directions’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India in this regard as also the withdrawal of the amendment of Rule 76 of SEZ Rules including provisions of Foreign Exchange Management (Establishment in India or Branch Office or Liaison Office or Project Office or any other place of business) Regulations, 2016, in so far as they relate to the legal profession, directly or indirectly.”.Read the Letter: