Industry News

Foreign Lawyers Allowed to Practise in India, But Limited to Non-Litigious Roles

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The Bar Council of India (BCI) has amended its 2022 Rules to formally allow foreign lawyers and law firms to practise foreign law in India, but only on a reciprocity basis and within defined limits. While a 2023 resolution had permitted foreign legal professionals to advise clients in India informally, the 2025 amendments now provide a formal and regulated mechanism for registration and practice.

Under the revised rules, foreign lawyers are permitted to advise on foreign and international law, participate in cross-border transactions, arbitration, and offer legal services in non-litigious matters such as contract drafting and due diligence. However, they are strictly barred from advising on Indian law or appearing before Indian courts.

The BCI emphasized that foreign lawyers can be involved in international commercial arbitration conducted in India, provided the matters concern foreign or international law, thus promoting India as a hub for global arbitration without infringing upon the role of Indian lawyers.

Start-ups Can Secure FSSAI Licence in a Day, Says Regulator

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has streamlined the licensing process for food start-ups, promising same-day approvals for applications with valid documents. Speaking at the Millet Stakeholders Summit 2025, FSSAI Deputy Director Balu Naik assured that obtaining a licence, particularly for basic categories like proprietary foods, is now fast and fully digital.

Naik stated that entrepreneurs no longer need to visit offices, as the entire process is online. "If there's a delay, applicants can raise the issue digitally, and inspections can only be conducted with official permission," he added.