New Delhi: The Bar Council of India (BCI) on August 30 opposed entry of foreign lawyers for practise in Indian courts.

"Even if the government takes a decision to allow foreign lawyers to practise in India, the 10 lakh lawyers of this country would not allow them to function in any manner," BCI vice president Adish C Aggarwala told reporters.

He informed that the government had sought BCI's opinion on the issue last year and the lawyers' apex body has already conveyed its considered decision against it to the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Maintaining that foreign lawyers would not adhere to "our professional ethics", the BCI vice president pointed out that in case they commit any misconduct in this country, they could not be subjected to any disciplinary action by an Indian body.

Under World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations on General Agreement on Trade and Services (GATS), currently underway, India has completely opposed opening up of legal services for foreign competition.

Interestingly, Aggarwala said allowing foreign lawyers to practise in the country would lead to "increase" in income of Indian lawyers but BCI opposed it on the ground that it would not be "good for our judicial system".

Aggarwala said at present Indian lawyers are not allowed to practise in foreign courts.

PTI