Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily disallowed the immediate entry of foreign law firms into India but maintained a positive, open stance on the issue. In a meeting with the British Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Justice, Lord William Bach in New Delhi on August 24, Mr. Moily clearly stated that any further decision will be taken only after consulting the lawyers and the authorities of the Bar Council of India.

The minister had earlier expressed his willingness to allow foreign law firms to set up shop in India. Clarifying his position, he said, "We will bring about reforms in the legal sector only by arriving at a national consensus and taking the entire legal fraternity into confidence." Lord Bach stressed the need to allow foreign lawyers and firms to advise on commercial matters, if not participate in court proceedings.

Said a positive Mr. Moily, "I hope the legal fraternity agrees because these days, the mind-set of the people is for reforms. I am sure the legal fraternity will be flexible on the issue."

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