New Delhi: The Karnataka State Bar Council has asked advocates to remove by 31 August any promotional reels or derogatory statements or videos they might have posted on social media, or face disciplinary proceedings.
The notice was issued after various advocates and Advocates Association of Harapanahalli wrote separately to the council, requesting action against practising advocates “who are undermining the dignity and decorum of the profession”.
Cautioning the advocates, the council said if they fail to comply with its directions by 31 August, disciplinary action will be taken against them under section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961.
The section provides for disciplinary action against advocates for professional or other misconduct. If a state bar council believes that an advocate enrolled with it is guilty of such misconduct, the matter must be referred to the disciplinary committee.
The committee holds an inquiry, and if the advocate is found guilty, it may either issue a reprimand, suspend the advocate from practice, or strike their name off the roll.
Earlier this year, on 17 March, the Bar Council of India (BCI) issued a similar directive, strongly condemning advertising legal services through social media, influencer marketing and short-form video content.
On 4 August, the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) issued a notice, warning lawyers against using social media to solicit work or advertise services, describing such activities as “unethical canvassing” and violative of professional ethics.
The BCD particularly flagged concerns over “self-styled legal influencers” who may not have the proper credentials and yet post content that spreads misinformation on critical legal topics.
Similarly, the State Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana issued a notice 31 July, warning against social media endorsements.
However, the Karnataka Bar Council is the first to set a deadline, warning action against the advocates as per the 1961 act.
The 18 August notice signed by the secretary of the Karnataka State Bar Council dated reads, “The advocates who have uploaded any contents making derogatory statements /promotional reels and videos in social media are hereby directed to immediately remove the such objectionable reels, videos etc. within 31/8/2025, failing which the KSBC will initiate disciplinary proceedings U/Sec. 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961.”
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)