In a press release issued on March 17, the BCI warned against such practices and emphasized that they violate the ethical standards of the legal profession.
NEW DELHI: The Bar Council of India (BCI) strongly criticized the growing trend of advocates promoting their services through social media, promotional videos, and influencer endorsements.
In a press release issued on March 17, the BCI warned against such practices and emphasized that they violate the ethical standards of the legal profession.
The BCI specifically condemned the involvement of Bollywood actors and celebrities in these promotional activities. It stated that using digital media platforms for advertising legal services goes against Rule 36, Chapter II, Part VI of the BCI Rules.
This rule clearly states:
“An advocate shall not solicit work or advertise, either directly or indirectly, whether by circulars, advertisements, touts, personal communications, interviews not warranted by personal relations, furnishing or inspiring newspaper comments or producing his photographs to be published in connection with cases in which he has been engaged or concerned.”
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The BCI stressed that the legal profession is built on public trust and ethical standards, making it fundamentally different from commercial business ventures.
The press release highlighted:
“The Supreme Court of India has consistently maintained this stance, emphasizing that legal practice is a noble service focused on justice, integrity, and fairness, and must not be commodified through commercial advertising or solicitation. Such unethical commercialization erodes public trust and demeans the sanctity of the legal profession.”
The BCI’s warning comes shortly after law firm DSK Legal posted a promotional reel on Instagram featuring a Bollywood actor. This act of self-promotion has been criticized for violating the ethical guidelines set by the BCI.
BCI’s New Mandates to Curb Unethical Advertising
To control unethical legal advertising and misinformation, the BCI has issued several strict mandates:
- Immediate removal of advertisements that violate Rule 36.
- A ban on using Bollywood actors, celebrities, or influencers for legal promotions.
- Prohibition of banners, promotional materials, and digital ads for legal services.
- A strict ban on non-enrolled individuals providing misleading legal advice.
- No solicitation of legal work via social media or digital platforms.
- Digital platforms must enforce vetting mechanisms to remove misleading legal content.
The BCI has issued a strong warning regarding violations, stating:
“Violations will lead to severe disciplinary actions, including suspension, cancellation of enrollment, contempt proceedings in the Supreme Court and complaints to digital platforms.”
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The BCI further urged advocates and digital platforms to uphold ethical standards, saying:
“Ensuring legal practice remains dignified and professional.”
This is not the first time the BCI has addressed the issue. In July last year, following a judgment by the Madras High Court on July 3, 2024, the BCI reiterated its stance against unethical advertising. The Court emphasized that:
“Advocacy is a noble profession meant for societal service, not commercial gain, and warned that online promotions compromise ethical standards.”
Following this judgment, the BCI instructed all State Bar Councils to take disciplinary action against advocates advertising their services on platforms like Quikr, Sulekha, Just Dial, and Grotal. The Court also ruled that:
“These platforms violate the Advocates Act, 1961, and the BCI Rules, denying them safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000.”
Referring to the Supreme Court’s ruling in AK Balaji v Union of India (2018), the BCI affirmed:
“Its authority over individuals, firms, or companies engaging in legal practice, regardless of their designation.”
The BCI also raised concerns over advocates promoting themselves during religious and public events through banners and digital ads. It stated that such practices are:
“Unethical and against professional integrity.”
Read Press Release
