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Can Law Schools Display Lawyer Images on Ads? Karnataka High Court Orders Content Removal
In a recent , the has intervened in a dispute concerning the promotional methods of an educational institution. Justice B M Shyam Prasad directed the to remove or replace several advertisements that featured images of individuals dressed in the typically worn by advocates.
The Dispute Over Promotional Buntings
The arose after the of the , issued a on , demanding the removal of various buntings (banners) displayed by the Society. The local authority found that these advertisements, which promoted the institution's newly launched law degree course, featured a person wearing an advocate’s gown, which the authority deemed inappropriate and in violation of established norms.
The Bharathi Education Society Trust challenged this communication, arguing that their promotional materials were based on a previous agreement with the local body and sanctioned by the for their upcoming academic year.
Balancing Institutional Growth and Professional Standards
During the , the Court examined photographs of the advertisements. The focused on whether the promotional practices of an educational institution must align with the standards of conduct prescribed for legal professionals.
The Court noted that the strictly prohibit advertising by individual advocates. While the institution argued its right to promote its educational services, the Court emphasized that advertisements centering on an individual in lawyer's attire could create confusion and potentially contravene the spirit of professional regulation.
"The
would be against any advertisement of an individual,"
observed the Court, noting that the focus should remain on the institution and the curriculum rather than individual portraiture in professional robes.
The Court’s Directive
Recognizing the Society’s need to promote its degree program, the High Court adopted a balanced approach. It ordered the following:
- Deferred Action: The must hold off on removing the banners for a period of eight weeks.
- Compliance through Replacement: The Society is permitted to replace the controversial buntings with new materials that focus on the details of the law degree course and the institution itself, rather than emphasizing individual persons.
- Submission: The is required to file an confirming this replacement.
The Court’s decision serves as a reminder to educational bodies that their promotional activities must strictly adhere to the governing the legal profession, ensuring that is not misappropriated for commercial branding. The eight-week window provides the Society an opportunity to rectify the issue while continuing to engage with potential students for the academic year.
