The Bar Council of India has issued a circular addressing the growing use of social media by advocates, law students and interns, extending existing professional duties relating to dignity, restraint, confidentiality, non-solicitation and proper professional identity to digital platforms.
The circular, identified as BCI:D:4657/2026 and dated July 17, 2026, does not create a new ethical code. It applies duties already contained in the Preamble to Chapter II, Part VI and Rules 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 17, 24, 36 and 37 of the Bar Council of India Rules to online conduct.
Social Media Conduct Brought Under Existing Professional Duties
The Bar Council has encouraged responsible legal literacy, accurate discussion of cases and public legal education. At the same time, it has stressed that digital activity by members of the legal profession must remain consistent with professional dignity and accountability.
The circular states that the legal profession draws its strength from public trust, learning and restraint rather than spectacle or self-promotion. It describes the advisory as an institutional reminder of those foundational principles.
Courtroom Reels and Sensational Content Discouraged
The circular says that reels, videos or photographs recorded inside court premises, corridors or chambers, or content using robes and bands as props for personal branding, are not consistent with professional dignity.
It also cautions against selective clipping or sensational editing of live-streamed proceedings, particularly where mocking or disparaging commentary could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
Outcome guarantees, clickbait claims, fake judgments, undisclosed AI-generated content, deepfake material depicting judges or courts, and the disclosure of confidential client information have been described as prohibited.
Transparency Required in Legal Awareness Content
Advocates sharing legal awareness material online have been advised to clearly identify themselves by name, State Bar Council and enrolment particulars. The circular also calls for a proper non-advice disclaimer to maintain transparency and accountability.
It further provides for standalone affidavits at the stage of enrolment, student undertakings before internships, adoption by Bar Associations and Centres of Legal Education, and the constitution of Digital Ethics Committees at the State Bar Council level.
Advocates, Bar Associations and law teachers have been urged to read the circular carefully, circulate it among members and juniors, and follow its principles in both letter and spirit.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
