No More Reels? Karnataka Bar Council Orders Advocates to Delete Derogatory, Promotional Content Immediately

The Karnataka State Bar Council (KSBC) has issued a strong direction to advocates cautioning them against circulating derogatory or promotional content on social media. The decision, taken at a council meeting on August 15, orders removal of such content by August 31, failing which disciplinary proceedings will be initiated under Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961.

The resolution came against the backdrop of growing concerns within the legal fraternity about the misuse of social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Facebook reels, where some advocates have allegedly made disparaging remarks against the judiciary and engaged in self-promotion.

According to the extract of the proceedings, the matter was taken up as part of several agenda points. One of them involved consideration of an email sent by advocate S. Basavaraj highlighting the circulation of reels related to law on social media. Another was a representation from the Advocates Association, Harapanahalli, requesting disciplinary action against members of the bar who undermine the “dignity and decorum” of the profession.

A separate communication by advocate Trivikram S. also urged the KSBC to issue a circular prohibiting lawyers from creating or uploading promotional videos, warning that such activities amount to professional misconduct.

Responding to these concerns, the council passed Resolution No. 50/2025, directing advocates who have uploaded derogatory statements, reels, or promotional videos to take them down immediately.

“The advocates who have uploaded any contents making derogatory statements/promotional reels and videos in social media are hereby directed to immediately remove such objectionable reels, videos etc. within 31/8/2025, failing which the KSBC will initiate disciplinary proceedings under Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961,” the resolution stated.

Section 35 of the Advocates Act empowers state bar councils to initiate disciplinary action against advocates for professional misconduct, including reprimand, suspension, or removal from the rolls of practice.

The KSBC’s move signals its intention to treat derogatory or promotional social media activity by advocates as falling within the ambit of misconduct.