BCI Directs State Bar Councils to Enforce Social Media, Digital Ethics Rules for Lawyers

New Delhi, Jul 18: The Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed all State Bar Councils to immediately implement its recently issued guidelines on advocates’ conduct on social media and digital platforms, warning that violations could lead to disciplinary action. In a communication issued on July 17 to the chairpersons and secretaries of all State Bar Councils, the BCI instructed that the circular be widely circulated among advocates, law firms, bar associations and legal institutions to ensure strict compliance. The guidelines require lawyers to maintain professional conduct on social media and prohibit misleading, defamatory or disrespectful posts against courts. Advocates have also been barred from disclosing confidential client information or details of restricted court proceedings. The BCI further advised lawyers to uphold courtroom decorum in digital spaces, avoid unethical use of AI-generated content and ensure that all online communication adheres to the ethical standards of the legal profession. Stating that the objective is to preserve the dignity of the legal profession and maintain public confidence in the justice delivery system, the BCI directed State Bar Councils to upload the guidelines on their official websites and social media platforms, display them on notice boards, and organise awareness programmes, webinars and workshops for advocates. The councils have also been asked to appoint nodal officers or committees to monitor compliance, submit periodic implementation reports and oversee disciplinary proceedings in cases of violations. According to the BCI, the directions have been issued under its statutory powers under the Advocates Act, 1961, the Bar Council of India Rules, and other applicable laws.