Lawyers Approach Madhya Pradesh High Court Against Celebrity-Endorsed Legal Service Ads on YouTube & Instagram

Three lawyers have approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court challenging sponsored advertisements on YouTube and Instagram that promote online legal services through celebrity endorsements.

The ads, featuring a popular actor as a judicial figure, package legal services at fixed prices, allegedly misleading the public and violating the Bar Council of India (BCI) Rules prohibiting advertising and commercialisation of the legal profession. 

Despite issuing a cease-and-desist notice to YouTube and filing complaints with the BCI and State Bar Council, no action was taken.

The plea seeks removal of such content, monitoring by regulatory authorities, accountability of digital platforms, and that unlawful profits be deposited into the Advocates’ Welfare Fund.