After Madras High Court order, BCI directs state bar councils, online platforms to remove ads of lawyers

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued directives to state bar councils across the country and several online platforms to take down online advertisements by lawyers soliciting work. .This has been done in compliance with a recent judgment of the Madras High Court that directed the BCI to issue guidelines urging state bar councils to initiate disciplinary action against advocates who advertise or solicit work directly or indirectly through ads, messages and touts.The judgment dated July 3 had undescored that the legal profession is a noble service to society and not a business driven by profit motives. The Court had also observed that marketing legal services or bringing branding culture into the legal profession brings down its nobility and integrity and is detrimental to society as a whole..Adhereing to the directions of the Madras High Court, the BCI has now issued two communications - one to state bar councils and the other to major online service providers including Quikr, Sulekha, Just Dial and Grotal.All state bar councils have been directed to take stringent disciplinary action against advocates found advertising or seeking work through online portals in violation of the Bar Council of India Rules.Cease and desist notices have been issued to the online service providers. The notices address the illegal advertising and solicitation of legal services on these platforms..The BCI has made it clear that failure to comply with its directives will result in initiation of legal proceedings and levying of penalties against non-compliant organisations. "All portals, online platforms, and advocates found in violation of Rule-36 of the Bar Council of India Rules are hereby issued a public notice to ensure strict compliance with these Rules immediately. Any advertisements contravening the aforementioned Rule must be withdrawn forthwith," the BCI press release issued on Monday states..The following are the key directives issued to State Bar Councils:Initiate disciplinary actions against advocates advertising or seeking work through online portals.File complaints against online service providers facilitating the illegal advertisement of lawyers.Ensure the removal of all illegal advertisements related to legal services on online platforms within four weeks.A compliance hearing is scheduled for August 20, 2024. State bar councils must submit a report on actions taken by August 10, 2024..The following directions have been issued to the online platforms:Remove all listings, profiles and advertisements related to legal practices by advocates immediately and no later than four weeks from the date of the notice.Cease and desist any operations enabling the advertisement or solicitation of legal practice by advocates. Submit a detailed compliance report outlining the actions taken to the BCI by August 10, 2024.