Allahabad HC issues contempt notice to 15 private websites for advertising about practising lawyers

Last week, the Allahabad High Court issued contempt notice to fifteen private websites alleged to have advertised about practicing lawyers on their platforms, contrary to the BCI's prohibition on such advertising.

An order to this effect was passed reportedly on a PIL filed by one, Yash Bharadwaj, who had alleged that these websites had violated earlier directions given by the High Court in December last year to refrain from violating Sections 2, 36 and 37 of the Bar Council of India (BCI) Rules. These rules include a bar on lawyers from soliciting work or advertising, directly or indirectly.

As per reports, the petitioner submitted that the alleged contemnors had claimed on the websites that they had the "best/top rated" lawyers in country.

In response, Justice Abdul Moin has now called on the alleged contemnors to respond on why action should not be taken against them for contempt of court. The order passed on February 4 states,

"Issue notice to respondents no. 1 to 15 to show cause as to why the proceedings for contempt of the Court be not initiated against them for non-compliance of the judgment and order dated 12.12.2019 passed in Writ Petition No.23328 (MB) of 2018."

[Read the Order]