Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana cautions lawyers over online service promotions

The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana (BCPH) has issued a strict warning to all advocates and Bar Associations in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. The council said that promoting legal services online or through advertisements is a serious violation of professional rules.

This includes using social media, influencer partnerships, promotional videos, client testimonials, or even sharing favourable court orders in public. According to the council, these actions break Rule 36 of Chapter II, Part VI of the Bar Council of India (BCI) Rules.

Despite past warnings, BCPH said it is still seeing a rise in such unethical behaviour. The council reminded lawyers that the legal profession is not a business. It is a noble service based on public trust, and turning it into a commercial activity harms the reputation and dignity of the profession.

Online promotions may lead to licence cancellation

In a letter sent to the presidents and secretaries of all Bar Associations — including those handling tribunal, tax, and consumer matters — BCPH chairman Rakesh Gupta raised concerns about this growing trend. The council stated clearly that any violation of Rule 36 would be treated as professional misconduct under Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961. This could lead to suspension or cancellation of an advocate’s licence.

The Bar Council said that lawyers are strictly prohibited from advertising their services, whether directly or indirectly. This includes using previous designations, aligning with causes or organisations, or highlighting case results to attract clients.

The council also warned against the rise of so-called “legal influencers” on social media, who share videos or content that may mislead the public, even if they have legal training. It stressed that such activities are damaging the dignity and credibility of the legal profession.

ALSO READ: Forensic clue cracks case: Inside the probe that linked guns to Pahalgam attack

ALSO READ: Divya Deshmukh checkmates history to become India’s first Women’s World Cup champion

Bar leaders to be held responsible

BCPH has also put the responsibility on Bar Association office bearers. If these unethical practices continue under their leadership, they may also be held accountable.

All Bar Associations have now been directed to share the council’s latest circular with their members and ensure that every advocate strictly follows the rules.

The council referred to multiple court rulings supporting this stand, including a recent decision by the Madras High Court on July 3, 2024, which strongly condemned the advertisement of legal services.

In conclusion, BCPH has reaffirmed that the legal profession must remain dignified, ethical, and free from commercial motives. Any form of online marketing, client promotion, or digital self-publicity is now clearly banned and will be punished if continued.