The case against the presence of foreign law firms in India is set to be discussed this weekend at a meeting between India's Government, Bar Council and Ministry of Law.

The meeting, scheduled for this Saturday (21 August), comes after a new petition was brought against foreign firms earlier this month in an attempt to further clamp down on foreign lawyers' activities in the region.

The petition, filed by Association of Indian Lawyers representative AK Balaji, has been brought against foreign lawyers advising clients on US or English law on a 'fly-in, fly-out' basis, detailing their India business practices on their websites and outsourcing legal services to India.

The Government of India filed a preliminary counter affidavit today (19 August) stating that it is actively considering an appropriate regulatory framework for the regulation of foreign firms.

Ashurst India head Richard Gubbins (pictured) said: "I am delighted to see that the Government of India is going to take the matter up in consultation with the Bar Council of India and that it recognises the prospect of losing arbitrations to Singapore, Paris and London would not serve India well.

"Recognition is beginning to creep in that foreign law firms do not in fact practise or advise on Indian law."

The first hearing was held at the Madras High Court on 5 August, but was re-adjourned for today (19 August) to give firms more time to respond. This has now been further postponed to 5 October to allow the Government to properly address the issue.

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