The legal profession in India has long been synonymous with dignity, formality, and strict ethical standards. Yet, in recent years, a new phenomenon has emerged: advocates using social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to grow their audiences, share legal insights, and build personal brands. This digital shift has raised a pressing ethical question: does this kind of online promotion align with the professional standards set by the advocates act,1961?
Regulatory Framework And Ethical Restrictions
In India, the bar council of India prescribes the ethical standards that govern advocates. Specifically, “rule 36 of the bar council rules” prohibits advocates from advertising or soliciting their work, whether directly or indirectly. An advocate who violates this rule can be prosecuted under section 35 of the advocates act,1961. This position has been upheld by court; for instance, in P.N. Vignesh v. bar council of India (2024) the madras high court ruled that certain lawyer rating platforms crossed into solicitation, which amounted to professional misconduct. In 2025, the bar council of India formally reaffirmed this stance in a press release, condemning influencer-style advertising by lawyers and reaffirming that such practices breached rule 36
The Reason Behind The Prohibition Of Advertisements
This prohibition is rooted in the very nature of the legal profession. Legal services, in India, are regarded as a noble cause, with advocates expected to promote justice and serve society, not merely to attract clients thus, advertising is seen as dishonourable and inconsistent with the profession’s values.
The Core Conflict: Education Vs Advertisement
The tension arises when influencers present themselves as educators. Many influencer lawyers argue that they are simply making law accessible. However, when content includes subtle personal branding disguised advertising. Without clear guidelines, the boundary between education and solicitation remains blurred.
Limitations Of The Advocates Act In Digital Era
The advocates act,1961, was framed long before social media become integral to communications. As such, the act does not address the nuances of digital content, monetization, or influencer culture. This absence leaves both advocates and regulators navigating a grey area
Conclusion
The emergence of influencer lawyers reflects a significant shift in the traditional structure of the legal profession, driven by the increasing influence of digital platforms. While such developments have made legal knowledge more accessible to the public, they also raise important concerns regarding adherence to professional ethics “under the advocates act, 1961”.
The existing legal framework, particularly the restrictions under rule 36 of the “bar council rules”, does not fully address the complication of digital self-promotion. A strict application of these rules may limit the spread of legal awareness, whereas the absence of regulation could compromise the dignity of the profession
Therefore, there is a need for a balance and evolving approach – one that allows advocates to engage responsibly with modern platforms while preserving the core values of integrity, professionalism, and public trust.
Author: Sobiya Vijayalakshmi, BA LLB 4th Year , Presidency University Bangalore
