The regulation of lawyers’ online conduct is under active scrutiny in India. The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Bar Council of India on a public-interest litigation concerning advocates’ advertising on social media – a development every practising lawyer should understand.
What the PIL raises
At its heart, the petition concerns how far advocates may go in promoting themselves online, and whether existing rules are being observed and enforced. It sits alongside the BCI’s own July 2026 circular on social media, which we cover in detail in our breakdown of the BCI circular.
Why it matters for your practice
The direction of travel is clear: informational, educational presence is protected; promotion, solicitation and sensationalism are not. Firms that have built visibility on genuine educational content rather than touting are well-positioned whatever the outcome.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For the current position, refer to the Bar Council of India and the relevant court records.
This article is part of Content & Authority Marketing for Lawyers – our in-depth pillar guide for Indian lawyers.
Read the full guide →Frequently asked questions
What is the Supreme Court PIL on lawyer advertising about?
It concerns how advocates promote themselves on social media and whether the existing advertising rules are being followed and enforced. The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Bar Council of India.
How should lawyers respond?
By keeping their online presence informational and educational rather than promotional – the approach that is protected under existing norms and the BCI’s 2026 social media circular.