Foreign lawyers, law firms can’t practise in India: SC

New Delhi: Foreign lawyers and law firms cannot open offices in India, the Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday.

A Bench of Justice AK Goel and Justice UU Lalit however allowed foreign lawyers to "fly in and fly out" to advise their clients on foreign law on a temporary and casual basis.

Earlier, the Madras High Court had in its 2012 verdict allowed the concept of “fly in and fly out” with regard to foreign lawyers and law firms. But it was challenged before the top court.

The apex court also permitted foreign lawyers to appear in international commercial arbitration subject to relevant rules applicable and directed Bar Council of India and the Centre to frame rules for the purpose.