A Bench of Chief Justice M. Yusuf Eqbal and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam heard the foreign law firms’ case today at the Madras High Court and have adjourned the case to April 19.

Additional Solicitor General, M. Ravindran appearing for the Central Government stated that there is going to be a meeting of all the Associations and Bar Councils around April 9. A request was made to set the next date after the State (of Tamil Nadu State) elections on April 13, 2011.

The Bench adjourned, and set the next date of hearing for April 19, 2011.

History: The foreign law firm’s case was last heard on January 24, where A.K. Balaji the Petitioner, said, “We pressed our argument that these law firms continue to violate the Advocates Act and other immigration laws. We also are in the process of looking at various amendments that have been passed or are intended to be passed by the Union Government and will reply suitably. The Legal Practitioners Bill, 2010 and other amendments are being suggested by the Union Government. Once we have a clear idea about the amendments, we may file a fresh petition or make suitable changes to the existing petition”. 

Previously on August 19, 2010 Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi had presented detailed submissions before the Madras High Court Bench. 

The 31 foreign law firm’s case was adjourned twice last year after being heard on August 19, 2010. It was listed for hearing on October 5, 2010 and November 24, 2010. This year it has been listed twice already on January 24 and March 8.