A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court urging measures to control unethical digital promotion and professional behavior by lawyers on social media. The plea highlights concerns about the rise of influencer-style legal content, promotional videos, and misuse of court premises, which are seen as undermining the ethical standards of the legal profession. Advocates Anil Pandey and A.R. Tripathi filed the writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, requesting the Bar Council of India (BCI) to establish a regulatory framework for advocates’ online conduct and enforce existing laws.
The petition raises issues regarding the proliferation of promotional content, influencer-style videos, and monetized legal material on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. It notes that some of this content is filmed within court premises, with lawyers in full court attire, showcasing contact details, claims of expertise, and client endorsements to attract potential clients. The petitioners seek the court’s intervention to address the unchecked growth of digital solicitation, commercialization of legal practice, and misuse of judicial spaces by certain members of the Bar.
According to the plea, portraying promotional material as legal awareness or educational content does not circumvent the ban on advertising. The petition emphasizes that if the primary aim is self-promotion, client acquisition, or commercial visibility, it constitutes professional misconduct regardless of the terminology used. The use of court attire, accessories, and premises for creating digital content is deemed a violation of the BCI Rules, as these elements are symbolic of the legal system’s dignity and should not be exploited for branding or publicity purposes.
The petition also points out that social media algorithms incentivize sensational legal content, leading to lawyers prioritizing digital popularity over professional competence and integrity. It references past regulatory actions, such as the Madras High Court’s ruling against lawyer rankings and digital solicitation, BCI press releases, and advisories warning against promotional activities involving influencers and celebrities. Despite submitting a representation to the Chief Justice of India and the BCI Chairman for regulatory intervention, the petitioners express dissatisfaction with the lack of a comprehensive national framework to tackle these issues.
