Madras High Court Foreign Law Firms case next on October 5

The case of A.K. Balaji against foreign law firm was listed before the Madras High Court today. Chief Justice M Yusuf Eqbal and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam have adjourned the case regarding the foreign law firms to 5 October, 2010. During the last hearing, two weeks was granted by the Madras High Court, which had asked the Bar Council to list out steps that have been taken to regulate the entry of foreign law firms. .The case of A.K. Balaji against foreign law firms was listed before the Madras High Court today. Chief Justice M. Yusuf Eqbal and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam have adjourned the case regarding the foreign law firms to 5 October, 2010. During the last hearing, two weeks was granted by the Madras High Court, which had asked the Bar Council to list out steps that have been taken to regulate the entry of foreign law firms. .Senior Advocate, Abhishek Manu Singhvi presented detailed submissions before Chief Justice M. Yusuf Eqbal and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam. Singhvi argued that a larger framework is necessary to regulate foreign law firms in India and the Bar Council is meeting over the weekend to decide on the course of action to regulate foreign law firms. Singhvi also stressed on the issue that his clients (foreign law firms) do not practice Indian law and only advice on foreign legal issues with respect to foreign investment into India, which is not against the law. Abhishek Singhvi also argued that India is a seat of Arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act and it is only natural that foreign law firms represent their clients during arbitration proceedings in India. “Any adverse order will have disastrous consequences” he argued..Advocate Rishikumar Suchindran from Chennai is acting for Integreon (R 15), the only legal process outsourcing company..Herbert Smith (R 22) and Norton Rose LLP (R 29) are being represented by HSB Partners, Chennai. Partner T.K. Bhaskar is leading the team at HSB who is briefing Senior Counsel R. Krishnamurthy. Australian firms Freehills (R 36) and Clayton Utz (R 37) are being represented by the Law offices of Mr. Natarajan. Speaking to Bar & Bench Mr. Natarajan said, “The Bench heard the arguments of Senior Counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi and was convinced that the matter be heard after the Bar Council takes a policy decision on this issue”..The Bar Council of India (BCI) will be deciding on the stance of foreign law firms and its entry into India. The BCI is going to formulate guidelines and will come to its decision during this weekend i.e. August 22-23.