The Bar Council of India (BCI) has mandated all State Bar Councils to enforce strict disciplinary measures against advocates who engage in advertising or soliciting work through online portals. This directive aligns with a recent judgment by the Madras High Court on July 3, which underscored the ethical foundation of the legal profession as a service to society, rather than a profit-oriented business.
The High Court scrutinized the operations of online platforms offering legal services and concluded that such activities contravene Rule 36 of the BCI Rules. According to this rule, advocates are explicitly prohibited from any form of direct or indirect advertising or solicitation of work.
Therefore, advocates are advised to refrain from using online platforms for advertising or seeking clientele, as doing so may result in severe disciplinary actions as per the directives of the Bar Council of India and respective State Bar Councils.
To ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and to avoid potential repercussions for advocates, all listings on our website will now direct users to an essential compliance notice. This notice outlines the Bar Council of India’s directive regarding the prohibition of advertising and solicitation through online platforms, emphasizing the importance of adherence to ethical standards in the legal profession. We urge all advocates to review this notice thoroughly and cooperate accordingly. This proactive approach aims to protect advocates from any inadvertent violations and supports the integrity of legal practice.