The Bar Council of India (BCI) raised concerns about lawyers using social media for promotion. It said that such actions are a “violation of professional ethics” as lawyers are not allowed to advertise their services. The BCI warned that this can lead to misinformation and harm the dignity of the legal profession. Lawyers are advised to follow ethical guidelines and maintain the respect of the judiciary.
New Delhi: The Bar Council of India (BCI) raised serious concerns about the growing presence of self-styled legal influencers on social media.
These individuals often lack formal legal credentials and spread misinformation on critical legal issues, igniting debates on the ethical and regulatory framework governing online legal discourse.
On March 17, the BCI issued an official statement warning against influencers who misinterpret laws related to matrimonial disputes, taxation, intellectual property rights, citizenship laws, privacy rights, and Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance.
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The council specifically pointed out incorrect interpretations of landmark judgments, such as the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the Right to Privacy ruling in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India.
It stated that such misinformation has led to confusion, misguided legal decisions, and even unnecessary judicial burdens.
In addition to warning against misinformation, the BCI also took a firm stance against influencers using social media for advertising legal services. It labeled endorsements and promotions by legal influencers as a “violation of professional ethics.”
However, legal experts remain divided on this issue. Advocate Abhishek Kumar Pathak argued that sharing general legal information should not be equated with soliciting clients.
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He emphasized that if influencers provide information without direct solicitation, it should not fall under the BCI’s prohibition on advertisements by advocates.
Mr. Pathak further noted that public access to legal knowledge should not be restricted by broad interpretations of ethical rules. He highlighted the need for clear guidelines distinguishing legal education from self-promotion.
Former Bar Council of Delhi chairman K.C. Mittal supported the BCI’s stance, stating that lawyers must refrain from social media promotion as it violates BCI regulations against advertising legal services.
He warned that such activities amount to publicity, which remains strictly prohibited under professional conduct rules.
The rise of legal influencers has sparked an ongoing debate on ethical and regulatory boundaries. While some advocate for greater access to legal knowledge through social media, the BCI remains firm on maintaining professional ethics and preventing misleading legal content.
As online legal discourse continues to evolve, clearer regulations may be necessary to balance public awareness with ethical legal practices.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) is a statutory body that regulates the legal profession and legal education in India. It was established under the Advocates Act, 1961 and operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Law and Justice.