Foreign Lawyers in India?
The entry of foreign lawyers into India is a complex and controversial issue. The legal profession in India is governed by the Advocates Act, 1961, which restricts the practice of law to Indian citizens. However, there have been debates and discussions regarding the entry of foreign lawyers into India, and the issue has been a subject of litigation in various courts.Proponents of allowing foreign lawyers into India argue that it would lead to increased competition, better quality of legal services, and greater access to international expertise. They also argue that foreign lawyers can bring in new ideas and innovation, which can benefit the legal profession as a whole.On the other hand, opponents argue that allowing foreign lawyers into India would result in a loss of jobs for Indian lawyers, who may not be able to compete with their international counterparts. They also argue that the legal system in India is unique and complex, and foreign lawyers may not be familiar with its intricacies, leading to potential issues of quality and accountability.In 2012, the Supreme Court of India ruled that foreign lawyers could visit India for temporary periods for advisory and consultancy purposes, but could not practice law or appear in court. The court also ruled that foreign law firms could not open offices in India, but could advise Indian clients on matters related to international law.In 2015, the Bar Council of India proposed amendments to the Advocates Act, which would have allowed foreign lawyers to practice in India, subject to certain conditions. However, these amendments were met with strong opposition from the legal community in India and were eventually withdrawn.In conclusion, the entry of foreign lawyers into India remains a contentious issue, with arguments both for and against it. While it is important to ensure access to quality legal services and international expertise, it is equally important to protect the interests of Indian lawyers and ensure that the legal system in India is not compromised. Any decision regarding the entry of foreign lawyers into India must be carefully considered, taking into account the interests of all stakeholders.Dr. Ajay Kummar Pandey
( LLM, MBA, (UK), PhD, AIMA, AFAI, PHD Chamber, ICTC, PCI, FCC, DFC, PPL, MNP, BNI, ICJ (UK), WP, (UK), MLE, Harvard Square, London, CT, Blair Singer Institute, (USA), Dip. in International Crime, Leiden University, the Netherlands )Advocate & Consultant, Supreme Court of India & High Courts4C Supreme Law International, Delhi, NCR. Mumbai & DubaiTel: M- 91- 9818320572. Email: editor.kumar@gmail.comWebsite: www.ajaykr.com, www.4Csupremelawint.com
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