Bar Council of India Cracks Down on Misinformation and Unethical Advertising by Legal Influencers
New Delhi, March 17, 2025 – The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a stern warning against the rising tide of self-proclaimed legal experts on social media platforms, expressing grave concerns about the spread of misinformation and unethical advertising practices within the legal profession. The regulatory body highlighted the detrimental impact of unqualified individuals dispensing legal advice, leading to confusion and potentially harmful consequences for the public.
The BCI’s statement emphasized the dangers posed by these "legal influencers," many of whom lack proper credentials yet confidently offer interpretations of complex legal matters. This misinformation, often related to sensitive issues such as matrimonial disputes, taxation, intellectual property rights, and citizenship laws, can mislead individuals and undermine public trust in the legal system. The BCI specifically pointed to the misinterpretation of landmark judgments like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the Right to Privacy ruling as examples of how misinformation can create widespread confusion and burden the judiciary.
Furthermore, the BCI condemned the growing trend of lawyers utilizing social media, promotional videos, and celebrity endorsements to advertise their services, deeming it a clear violation of professional ethics. The council explicitly denounced the involvement of Bollywood actors, celebrities, and digital media platforms in such promotional campaigns, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the dignity and integrity of the legal profession.
The BCI’s warning follows a previous press release issued in July 2024, cautioning advocates against unethical advertising practices in the wake of a Madras High Court judgment. The court’s ruling stressed that online promotional activities compromise ethical standards and professional integrity within the legal community. The BCI’s renewed call for adherence to ethical guidelines signals a strong commitment to upholding the standards of the legal profession and protecting the public from misleading information and unscrupulous practices.
The council’s statement outlined a series of measures to address these issues, including a directive for advocates to immediately withdraw any advertisements that violate professional ethics. The BCI explicitly prohibited the use of Bollywood actors, celebrities, or influencers for promoting legal services and mandated the removal of banners, promotional materials, and digital advertisements related to legal practices. The BCI emphasized the need for advocates to refrain from using social media or digital platforms to solicit legal work, directly or indirectly.
To combat the spread of misinformation, the BCI ordered a complete cessation of unauthorized legal advice dissemination by unqualified individuals. It also called upon digital platforms to implement stringent vetting mechanisms for legal content and ensure the prompt removal of misleading information. The BCI’s comprehensive approach aims to restore public trust in the legal profession, protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation, and maintain the integrity of the legal system in the digital age. The council’s decisive action signifies a commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and safeguarding the interests of the public in an increasingly complex digital landscape. The BCI’s proactive stance underscores the importance of maintaining a clear separation between legal expertise and online sensationalism, ensuring that the public receives accurate and reliable legal information from qualified professionals.