The Bar Council of Delhi has banned lawyers from advertising on social media, warning strict action under the Advocates Act for those violating professional ethics and Rule 36 guidelines.
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NEW DELHI: The Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) has recently issued a cautionary notice to advocates regarding the growing trend of advertising legal services on social media platforms. The notice, dated 04 August 2025, highlights concerns about lawyers using digital media for professional canvassing and solicitation of work, which is a clear violation of professional ethics and the Advocates Act, 1961.
What Does the Notice Say?
According to the Bar Council of Delhi, several lawyers have been engaging in activities such as:
- Posting videos and content soliciting work via advertisements.
- Sharing personal interactions, interviews, and photographs to promote legal services.
- Publishing circulars and endorsements aimed at attracting clients.
The Council emphasizes that these methods undermine the dignity of legal practice and violate Rule 36 of the Bar Council of India Rules, which strictly prohibits advertising or solicitation by advocates.
The notice expresses serious concern about the rapid rise of self-styled legal influencers, many of whom do not hold proper credentials. These individuals are spreading misinformation on crucial legal issues, thereby misleading the public. The Bar Council of Delhi categorically states that such activities compound the problem and erode public trust in the legal profession.
Consequences for Violations
The Bar Council warns that any violation of this rule will be treated as serious professional misconduct. Under Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961, advocates found guilty may face:
- Suspension of license, or
- Cancellation of license to practice.
Advocates active on social media have been directed to immediately remove all such content. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary proceedings under the aforementioned section.
In a related development, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) filed a representation to the Chief Justice of India expressing concern over advocates filming promotional content within the Supreme Court premises, including high-security zones.
It called for guidelines to curb this unethical trend, warning of the potential danger, misinformation, and erosion of public trust in the legal system.
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