Foreign law firms, advocates cannot practise in India, says Supreme Court

Foreign law firms could carry on their liaison activities in India only on being enrolled as advocates under the Advocates Act

The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that foreign law firms may set up offices in India and nor may foreign lawyers practise in Indian courts. They may only give advice to Indian clients on a ‘fly-in and fly-out’ basis. And, if they do it on a regular basis, it would amount to practice of law.
 
The court directed the central government and the Bar Council of India (BCI ) to frame rules clarifying the regulations in this regard. The court largely upheld the judgment of the Madras High Court delivered in 2012, which had allowed foreign lawyers to visit India