New Delhi, June 29, 2025 – The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a strong and clear statement aimed at protecting the interests of India’s entire legal community – not just the interests of a select few elite firms. In a detailed press release, the BCI has emphasised the need to democratise the legal profession, modernise Indian law practice and provide fair opportunities to all lawyers and law firms across the country.
SILF Represents Only a Small Fraction
The BCI started by clarifying an important fact—the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) represents 2% or less than 2% of the more than 15,000 law firms in India. Yet, SILF often claims to speak on behalf of the entire Indian legal fraternity. According to the BCI, this claim is both misleading and incorrect. SILF is a private group of self-appointed members. It does not hold elections, and it operates without any legal or constitutional authority. In short, SILF is not the voice of the Indian legal profession. It mostly speaks for its own small circle.
Time to Bring All Law Firms Together
To correct this imbalance, the BCI is planning to form a democratic and inclusive association of law firms in India. This new body will ensure that all firms—big and small, old and new—have a voice in matters that affect them. This step is essential for ensuring fairness and unity in the profession.
SILF’s Resistance to Foreign Lawyer Entry
For over 20 years, SILF has consistently opposed the entry of foreign lawyers into India—even when such entry was proposed in a regulated, phased manner. While they claim to support reform, their actions show otherwise.
On the other hand, the BCI has received hundreds of suggestions from sincere and hardworking law firms that support progress. Based on these suggestions, the BCI is working on reforms related to advertisements, LLPs, and international arbitration. The aim is to make Indian law firms globally competitive.
The BCI is firm in its belief: India must grow as an international legal hub—and this growth should benefit all, not just a few privileged firms.
Misuse of Position and Language by SILF
BCI has also strongly criticized SILF for using aggressive and misleading language in its public statements. According to the Bar Council, such behaviour is not just unprofessional, but also violates the ethical duties of an advocate. Advocates are expected to maintain dignity, use respectful language, and never promote personal or commercial interests in the name of public interest.
If necessary, the BCI may take disciplinary action against individuals responsible for such misconduct, including issuing notices and even considering suspension or removal from the roll of advocates.
Level Playing Field Needed
SILF claims that new law firms are doing well and handling big corporate cases. But the reality is that many smaller and regional law firms are still being kept out of the major cross-border legal work. By opening up controlled and fair opportunities to foreign lawyers (only for non-litigation and advisory roles), the BCI hopes to create a level playing field for all Indian law firms.
The new 2025 rules strictly prohibit foreign lawyers from practicing Indian law or appearing in courts and tribunals. Their role is limited to advising on their home country’s laws and international matters—just like how it is allowed in countries like the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Breaking the Monopoly
BCI has pointed out that a few large firms have created a sort of monopoly over corporate and arbitration work, thanks to their informal connections with foreign clients. This leaves little room for mid-sized and new firms to grow. The 2025 reforms are designed to end this monopoly and give every lawyer a fair chance.
SILF’s fear that foreign entry will destroy the Indian legal market is baseless. In fact, it’s a positive step toward making Indian legal practice more modern, global, and fair.
Promoting Inclusivity and Modernization
The BCI’s approach has already received international appreciation. At a recent legal conference in the UK, India’s model of balancing openness with legal sovereignty was praised as both progressive and protective.
Unlike SILF, which represents a small group of large firms, the BCI’s focus is on inclusivity. It wants to bring together all law firms, especially those that have been left out so far—young lawyers, regional practitioners, and those from smaller cities and towns.
Call for Unity and Feedback
To ensure that everyone has a say, the BCI has invited law firms across the country to send their opinions and suggestions by email. The original deadline of 2nd July 2025 has now been extended by another 30 days.
A committee led by Mr. Cyril Shroff and other senior partners is reviewing all the feedback. A large meeting will be held soon in Mumbai where law firm representatives will discuss the matter, and only after that will the BCI make its final decision.
This transparent, inclusive approach shows the BCI’s genuine commitment to hearing from all corners of the legal community.
Strong Message to the Media and Misleading Voices
The BCI has also urged the media to verify the credibility of those making public statements against the reforms. Some of these critics do not even have a proper role or standing in the matter and are trying to create confusion.
The Council made it clear that while sincere views and constructive suggestions are always welcome, fear-based arguments meant to block reform will not be entertained.
The Road Ahead for Indian Law
The 2025 amendments introduced by the BCI are a big step toward making India a strong legal force globally—while protecting Indian legal sovereignty at every level. Foreign lawyers will not practice Indian law or appear in Indian courts. They will only advise on foreign laws under strict government and BCI regulations.
The aim is simple: build a legal system that is modern, fair, inclusive, and globally respected.
Final Thoughts
The Bar Council of India has taken a bold yet responsible step. It is thinking of the future of Indian lawyers—not just a few big names but every advocate who dreams of making it big. By encouraging open discussion, ensuring ethical practice, and allowing limited foreign participation under strict conditions, BCI is setting the stage for a stronger, more united legal profession in India.
For any law firm, advocate, or legal enthusiast, this is the time to participate, contribute, and help shape the future. The BCI has kept its doors open for suggestions, and the legal community must walk through with vision and unity.
Reference: https://www.barcouncilofindia.org/info/press-rele-d9fqkz