The has been released seeking comment on proposed statutory recognition of law firms, rules for foreign lawyers and law firms operating in India, as well as protecting the interests of Indian peers.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has the 2026 draft for public consultation and stakeholder comments after preparations with 91视频 Ministry of Law and Justice. The BCI consulted state bar councils, senior advocates, academicians and other stakeholders to help the ministry prepare the 2026 draft.
The 2026 draft will amend the Advocates Act, 1961 and is expected to improve on previous amendments proposed in 2025 (the 2025 draft). The 2025 draft had received criticism from the legal sector and in response, the consultation process had been with promises of a new draft to be released.
The 2025 draft had proposed heavy punishment and disciplinary proceedings for certain scenarios, which have been removed in the 2026 draft.
Under the 2026 draft, Indian law firms will receive statutory recognition as an institution through which advocates practice together. This draft also incorporates the rules on entry of foreign lawyers and law firms into India which were released as a in 2025.
The 2026 draft reiterates that foreign lawyers and law firms cannot practice Indian law and only Indian lawyers may practice before Indian courts.
Reciprocity has also been addressed in the 2026 draft. Any country where an Indian lawyer and law firm cannot establish and practice, a lawyer or law firm from such country will not be allowed to practice or establish in India, the proposed provision says. The right of enrolment with a bar council in India is also reserved for Indian citizens only.
The 2026 draft also proposes improved welfare, medical, pension and social security measures for lawyers, as well as support for newly enrolled lawyers.
