No social media ads, celebrity endorsements: Bar Council to lawyers
What's the story
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has sent a stern warning to lawyers against advertising their services through social media, promotional videos, and influencer promotion. In its statement, the BCI also denounced Bollywood celebrities for engaging in such promotions, claiming advertising legal services on digital platforms is a violation of Rule 36, Chapter II, Part VI of BCI Rules.
Ethical concerns
Legal profession should not be treated as business
The BCI underscored that the legal profession is based on public trust and ethical standards, and cannot be viewed as a commercial business venture. "Such methods clearly constitute unethical canvassing, infringing upon professional ethics and the dignity of legal practice. Lawyers must uphold justice and public service, refraining entirely from commercializing their roles or services," BCI said. The BCI's move comes in the wake of law firm DSK Legal's recent Instagram reel starring actor Rahul Bose, which created a storm.
Strict mandates
BCI's measures to curb unethical legal advertising
The BCI has imposed strict measures to check unethical legal advertising and misinformation. These include immediate removal of advertisements violating Rule 36, banning Bollywood actors, celebrities, or influencers from promoting legal services, and banners and digital ads for legal services. The council has also laid out strict measures against non-enrolled persons giving misleading legal advice. Violations will invite severe disciplinary actions including suspension or cancelation of enrollment.
Upholding integrity
BCI's call for ethical standards
Furthermore, digital platforms must implement severe vetting systems for legitimate content and the prompt removal of deceptive information. It also said that ethical practices related to online conduct should be followed. The BCI urged advocates as well as digital platforms to maintain ethical standards so that the practice of law remains dignified and professional.