The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a stern warning against unauthorised collaborations, tie-ups, or integrated platforms between Indian and foreign law firms or advocates, reiterating that such arrangements amount to the “practice of law” in India and are impermissible under the Advocates Act, 1961.

In a detailed press release dated October 21, 2025, the BCI clarified that its earlier release of August 6, 2025, stood withdrawn and substituted with the current statement. The earlier press release, which had named certain firms, was withdrawn in terms of the statement given to the Delhi High Court in Atul Sharma v. Bar Council of India .

The BCI raised concerns over foreign law firms and advocates entering into “strategic alliances,” “exclusive referral models,” and “joint bran

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