CMS INDUSLAW and Dentons Link Legal have strongly refuted the claims made by Bar Council Of India in a press release dated August 5.
The press release claims that any such combination of firms structured without prior registration under Bar Council of India Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2023 (amended in 2025), are impermissible. The press release states-
“Any arrangement that creates a joint platform, uses a unified brand, involves co-branding of legal services, or results in shared client servicing without registration is in contravention of the Rules.”
CMS INDUSLAW expressed its dismay and surprise at the issuance of the recent press release by the BCI practically simultaneously with a notice to them.
“We strongly refute any imputation that rules have been breached. We are an independent Indian law firm practicing only Indian Law. CMS INDUSLAW remains fully within the bounds of all applicable rules and regulations. Our practice does not enable any foreign lawyer to practise Indian law or foreign law in India, nor any Indian lawyer to practise foreign law within India.
The BCI notice and press release appear to be based on misconception and surmises that we will address appropriately in our response. We remain committed to servicing our clients, adhering to professional norms and upholding the noble profession of law in India.”
Dentons Link Legal also refuted BCI’s claims-
“We are an Indian registered law firm which is wholly owned, controlled and managed by Indian advocates and squarely falls under the definition of “Indian Law Firm” of the applicable Bar Council of India Rules.
Our combination with Dentons has been and continues to be fully compliant with all laws including the Advocates Act.”
