The Bar Council of India (BCI) issued new social media guidelines on July 17, 2026 . These rules apply to advocates, law students, and interns. They address digital ethics and professional conduct online. All state bar councils and legal education centers must implement these guidelines immediately.
New Rules for Students
Law students must now sign an undertaking. This is required at the time of admission. They need to sign a separate undertaking before each internship begins. Legal education centers must integrate these rules. They will be part of admission, internship, and conduct guidelines.
These centers must share the circular. All faculty, students, researchers, and staff need to be informed. This ensures widespread awareness of the new digital ethics standards.
Guidelines for Advocates
State Bar Councils must inform all enrolled advocates. The guidelines cover digital ethics, advertising, and confidentiality. They also address court decorum and misinformation.
Advocates must acknowledge these rules. This can be through an affidavit or compliance form. State Bar Councils will send the circular to all registered advocates. They will also distribute it to Bar Associations within their jurisdiction.
Prohibited Online Conduct
The BCI guidelines specifically target certain online behaviors. These include misusing court premises or judicial proceedings. Posting misleading legal content is also prohibited. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) generated material is restricted.
This includes deepfakes, voice-cloned audio, and other manipulated content. These actions could affect the BCI's dignity and professional ethics.
Enforcement and Oversight
State Bar Councils must appoint a 'Digital Ethics Committee.' Alternatively, a 'Nodal Group' or 'Nodal Officer' can be designated. This body will handle complaints related to digital ethics. They will examine materials and preserve evidence.
The committee can counsel first-time offenders. Serious or repeat violations will be sent to the competent authority. This ensures accountability for breaches of the social media guidelines.
