In a significant regulatory development, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has appointed Cyril Shroff, Managing Partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, to chair a newly formed expert committee. The committee is tasked with examining concerns related to the 2025 rules governing the entry of foreign lawyers and law firms into India.
This move reflects the BCI’s commitment to ensuring a balanced and inclusive legal environment that supports both domestic and international practice standards.
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Why Was the Committee Formed?
In March 2025, the BCI introduced a framework permitting foreign lawyers and law firms to practice in a regulated, non-litigious capacity in India. While the move was seen as a step toward international integration, it also triggered concerns among Indian legal professionals regarding competitiveness, ethics, and equal treatment.
To address these concerns and refine the implementation of these rules, the BCI has formed this committee of legal stalwarts.
Key Responsibilities of the Committee
The committee will:
- Assess the current functioning of the rules governing foreign lawyer entry
- Recommend necessary safeguards to prevent indirect practice of Indian law
- Explore parity in operational freedom and capital access for Indian law firms
- Protect legal ethics while encouraging a globally competitive environment
- Conduct consultations with stakeholders for feedback and policy direction
The committee’s report is expected within 30–40 days, with stakeholder consultations projected to begin by August 2025.
Who’s On the Committee?
The committee is composed of some of India’s most respected legal minds:
- Cyril Shroff – Chair (Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas)
- Ajay Bahl – AZB & Partners
- Suhail Nathani – Economic Laws Practice (ELP)
- Sandip Bhagat – S&R Associates
- Amit Kapur – J. Sagar Associates (JSA)
- Mahesh Agarwal – Agarwal Law Associates
- Srimanto Sen – Convenor (Principal Secretary, BCI)
- Manan Kumar Mishra – BCI Chairman (Special Invitee)
This all-star panel brings diverse perspectives from litigation, corporate, and regulatory practices.
Why This Matters for the Legal Industry
- Regulatory Clarity: The committee will help clarify ambiguities around the new rules.
- Level Playing Field: It ensures Indian firms are not at a disadvantage compared to foreign players.
- Global Alignment: Allows Indian firms to compete globally without compromising on ethical standards.
- Policy Feedback: The consultative approach enables inclusive policy shaping with direct input from the legal community.
What’s Next?
The committee is expected to:
- Deliver an initial set of recommendations by mid-August 2025
- Hold virtual and in-person consultations with Indian and foreign stakeholders
- Propose actionable amendments or clarifications for BCI’s consideration
For now, the BCI clarified that the existing rules remain in force and are not paused during the review process.
Final Thoughts
Cyril Shroff’s appointment to lead the BCI committee signals the beginning of an important phase in India’s legal evolution. With a powerful mix of senior advocates and top-tier firm partners, this committee has both the expertise and credibility to shape a fair, strategic framework for the future of foreign law practice in India.
Stay tuned as the dialogue unfolds.
