Source: LawBeat

The Bar Council of India (BCI) issued a circular dated July 17 establishing a comprehensive code of conduct for advocates, law students and interns that mandates a written affidavit or compliance acknowledgement for future enrolments. New entrants must undertake not to misuse court proceedings, client or chamber material, AI-generated content, deepfakes, voice-cloned audio or other digital platforms in ways that violate professional ethics, while existing advocates are to be sensitised on digital ethics without a fresh affidavit requirement.

The circular forbids creation of reels, videos, photographs or promotional content inside court premises, courtrooms, corridors, bar rooms, chambers or judicial buildings that demean the profession and bans clickbait or fear-based marketing such as promises of “guaranteed bail” or “sure acquittal.” It requires disclosure when AI tools generate or substantially modify legal content, bars students and interns from recording or publishing court proceedings, client meetings, pleadings or research, and cites the Supreme Court’s 2025 judgment and Section 132 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 to emphasise confidentiality. Enforcement will be through State Bar Councils via Digital Ethics Committees or nodal officers, complaint mechanisms and counselling for first-time offenders, with the BCI cautioning against misuse of the circular to stifle legitimate criticism and affirming that responsible legal awareness and academic discussion remain permissible.