Print or Digital?
Is Generation Z (or Gen Z) really out and out rejecting hardcopies of things, like books, and opting for the digital versions or softcopies? Do they even read the newspaper, far less in print?
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has tightened its grip on the legal fraternity’s use of social media, making it mandatory for law students, interns and newly enrolled advocates to submit undertakings promising to follow a new digital code of conduct. The rules are intended to protect the dignity of courts and uphold professional ethics.
The new directions require separate declarations at different stages of legal education and practice. The BCI has also instructed State Bar Councils, Bar Associations and law colleges to begin implementing the guidelines immediately and establish mechanisms to monitor compliance.
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BCI mandates separate declarations at different stages
Anyone seeking enrolment as an advocate must now submit a separate sworn affidavit undertaking to comply with the BCI’s social media and digital ethics guidelines.
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Law students will also be required to sign a separate undertaking when they take admission to a law course. A fresh undertaking must be submitted again before they begin internships, confirming that they will adhere to the prescribed code of conduct.
Law colleges, Bar Councils told to implement new rules
The BCI has directed State Bar Councils, Bar Associations and law colleges to put the guidelines into effect without delay.
It has asked institutions to create monitoring mechanisms, constitute Digital Ethics Committees and ensure that students, interns and advocates are informed about the new digital conduct rules.
Court reels, recordings and promotional content barred
According to the circular, students and interns cannot create reels or videos inside courts, chambers or law offices. They are also barred from recording court proceedings or client meetings, revealing confidential case details, or posting “day in court”, “lawyer life” or similar content that, according to the BCI, trivialises the legal profession.
The restrictions extend to practising advocates as well.
Advocates have been advised against creating promotional content within court premises, using court buildings or legal robes for social media branding, publishing misleading legal information or client testimonials, and circulating edited clips of court proceedings.
The BCI has also prohibited the creation or circulation of AI-generated or deepfake content that falsely depicts judges, lawyers or court proceedings.
Legal awareness content remains permitted
The council clarified that the circular is not intended to prohibit responsible legal education through social media.
It said advocates and legal professionals may continue to publish legal awareness content, explain court judgments and discuss legal issues, provided such content remains accurate, non-promotional, non-sensational and does not amount to advertising or promise legal outcomes.
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