Delhi Bar Council Cautions Advocates Against Advertising/Soliciting Work; Initiates Proceedings Against Two Lawyers and An NGO

In a Public Notice issued on October 24, the Bar Council of Delhi has cautioned the Advocates against advertising their services and soliciting work.

Considerably, an Advocate has a duty to his colleagues under Clause 36 of Section IV under Chapter II of the Bar Council of India Rules, which prescribes the Standards of professional conduct and etiquette, not to solicit work or advertise, either directly or indirectly, whether by circulars, advertisements, touts, personal communications, interviews not warranted by personal relations, furnishing or inspiring newspaper comments or producing his photographs to be published in connection with cases in which he has been engaged or concerned.

The notice has been issued in light of violation of the said Clause 36 by certain Advocates and NGOs. The notice disclosed that action had been taken against two advocates and NGO who were allegedly found soliciting professional work, through advertisement on social media, by the State Bar Council of Delhi.

Section 35 of the Advocates Act prescribes that the disciplinary committee of a State Bar Council may reprimand, temporarily suspend or remove the name of an advocate from the State roll of advocates, if he is found guilty of misconduct.