The Supreme Court, on August 14, 2024, sought the response of the Bar Council of India on whether online portals can be allowed to publish advertisements issued by Advocates. A petition filed by ‘JustDial’ was being heard by the Supreme Court comprising Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice SVN Bhatti. The online portal has challenged the recent judgement passed by the Madras High Court directing the Bar Councils to take action against Advocates soliciting work through online portals. 

It was argued on behalf of ‘JustDial’ that their online directory mentions only the names, qualifications, and areas of practice of the Advocates. It was their contention that their portal enables clients to search for Advocates. The Supreme Court declined to stay the directions passed against online portals. But the Court issued notice to the Bar Council of India and sought its response to the petition, observing that the issue raised a larger ethical and professional standards of the legal profession. 

Following the Madras High Court judgment, the Bar Council of India issued notices to four online platforms, such as QuikrIndia, sulekha.com, JustDial and Grotal.com. Due to the Madras High Court judgment, the BCI asked the online platforms to remove listings, profiles and advertisements related to legal practice and Advocates. 

Case Details: JustDial.com, JustDial Limited V. P N Vignesh, SLP(C)/17844/2024