New Delhi, Jul 18: The Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed all state bar councils to immediately implement its newly issued guidelines on advocates’ conduct in digital spaces, mandating strict compliance with norms governing social media use, courtroom decorum, confidentiality and professional ethics. The BCI warned that violations could attract disciplinary action.
In a communication issued on July 17 to the chairpersons and secretaries of all state bar councils, the BCI instructed them to widely circulate the guidelines among advocates, bar associations, law firms and legal institutions.
The guidelines require lawyers to maintain professional conduct on social media and prohibit posts that are misleading, defamatory or disrespectful to courts. Advocates have also been barred from disclosing confidential client information or sharing details of restricted court proceedings.
The BCI further directed 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.
Describing the move as essential to preserving the dignity of the legal profession, the BCI said the framework aims to reinforce public confidence in the justice delivery system amid the rapid expansion of digital communication.
State bar councils have been asked to upload the circular on their official websites and social media platforms, display it on notice boards and organise awareness programmes, webinars and workshops to familiarise advocates with the new norms.
The BCI also directed state councils to appoint nodal officers or committees to monitor compliance, submit periodic implementation reports and oversee disciplinary proceedings, if any. It further asked that advocates acknowledge the guidelines through signed declarations at the time of enrolment or renewal, wherever applicable. (Agencies)
