New Delhi, Oct. 21 -- The Bar Council of India (BCI) has formally withdrawn its earlier press release dated August 5, 2025, and issued a fresh statement following its submission before the Delhi High Court in Atul Sharma vs Bar Council of India and Another.

The new release reiterates that any unauthorised or unregistered collaborations between Indian and foreign law firms are impermissible under the Bar Council of India Rules and the Advocates Act, 1961.

The Council expressed grave concern over the increasing instances of foreign law firms and advocates joining hands with Indian counterparts through models such as Swiss Vereins, strategic alliances, exclusive referral systems, and joint branding initiatives, portraying themselves as uni...