In India, lawyers are not allowed to advertise their services under the Bar Council of India Rules, which govern the legal profession in the country. The rule against advertising is based on the idea that legal services are a noble profession and not a business, and therefore, lawyers should not indulge in commercial advertising and solicitation.
The Bar Council of India Rules, Rule 36, prohibits lawyers from directly or indirectly advertising or promoting their services. This rule is designed to maintain the dignity of the legal profession and prevent unethical practices such as misleading advertisements and solicitation of clients.
However, lawyers in India are allowed to publish their names and addresses in legal directories and on their office signs. They are also permitted to provide information about their legal services to clients who seek their services through referral, personal contact, or legal aid clinics.
It is worth noting that there have been debates on whether to allow advertising for legal services in India, with some arguing that it would increase transparency and access to legal services, while others argue that it could lead to unethical practices and commercialization of the legal profession.
In summary, lawyers in India are not allowed to advertise their services under the Bar Council of India Rules, as it is seen as an unethical practice that undermines the dignity of the legal profession.