Bar Council of Delhi Warns Lawyers Against Advertising Legal Services on Social Media
Pranav B Prem
The Bar Council of Delhi has issued a stern caution to advocates who are increasingly using social media platforms to advertise or solicit legal work. In a formal notice dated 04.08.2025, Chairman Surya Prakash Khatri flagged serious concerns over the growing trend of lawyers posting content such as videos, photographs, and interviews in connection with their legal cases for the purpose of public promotion—actions the Council has termed as “unethical canvassing.”
The Council observed that such practices infringe upon the professional ethics and dignity associated with the legal profession. It specifically pointed to instances where lawyers post circulars, personal interactions, or photographs on digital platforms with the intention—either direct or indirect—of attracting clients. These methods, the Council emphasized, violate Rule 36 of the Bar Council of India Rules. “Such methods clearly constitute unethical canvassing, infringing upon professional ethics and dignity of legal practice,” the notice stated.
An area of particular concern noted by the Council is the emergence of “self-styled legal influencers” who often do not even possess the necessary legal credentials. These individuals, the notice said, frequently disseminate misinformation on serious legal issues, thereby misleading the public and damaging the integrity of the legal system.
The Council warned that such conduct amounts to professional misconduct and can attract disciplinary proceedings under Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961. The section empowers the disciplinary committee to take action that may lead to suspension or even cancellation of an advocate’s licence to practice. In its concluding direction, the Bar Council called upon all such advocates engaged in these practices to immediately remove their social media content. Failure to comply may result in individual action being initiated under the provisions of the Advocates Act.
