Delhi High Court Flags Harsh Penalties On Foreign Law Firms Under BCI Rules

The Delhi High Court expressed concern over the Bar Council of India’s rules prescribing stringent penalties against foreign law firms for alleged unauthorised legal practice.

A Division Bench observed that the punishment provisions appeared “drastically disproportionate” and indicated that either the BCI must amend the rules or the Court may read them down.

The Court emphasised the need for balanced regulation and suggested that the BCI reconsider the penalty framework while ensuring effective oversight of foreign legal practice in India.

The Court also directed the BCI to defer proceedings against the petitioners, originally listed for November 16, and ordered them to furnish the documents sought by the Council.

[Avimukt Dar and Ors v Bar Council of India and Anr.]