The Karnataka High Court has granted interim relief to Bharathi Education Society Trust by directing a Gram Panchayat authority to hold back action against the institution for eight weeks over promotional buntings carrying the image of a person dressed like an advocate. The Court observed that while the institution could advertise its law degree course, the promotional material should not highlight any individual in a manner that could conflict with the Bar Council of India Rules.
Background of the Case
The petition was filed by M/s Bharathi Education Society Trust, which runs several educational institutions in Mandya district and recently started a law degree course after obtaining approval from the Bar Council of India for the 2026-27 academic year. The Trust challenged a communication dated June 2, 2026, issued by the Panchayat Development Officer directing it to remove the buntings or face action. The institution argued that the displays were installed under an existing agreement with the local authority and expressed willingness to modify any objectionable content if specifically identified.
Court's Observations
Justice B M Shyam Prasad examined the photographs placed before the Court and noted that the buntings displayed the image of a person wearing attire commonly associated with advocates.
The bench observed,
"The Bar Council of India Rules would be against any advertisement of an individual."
It further noted that the institution had agreed to replace the images so that the publicity focused only on the law course and the institution itself, without giving prominence to any person.
Court's Decision
Disposing of the writ petition, the High Court directed the Panchayat Development Officer to defer any action under the impugned communication for eight weeks. During this period, the Trust has been permitted to replace the existing buntings with new ones containing only details of the law degree course and the institution.
The Court also directed the authority to reconsider the matter after the changes are made, without affecting the Bar Council's permission granted to the institution or its existing agreement.
Case Details
Case Title: M/s Bharathi Education Society Trust v. State of Karnataka & Anr.
Case Number: Writ Petition No. 18384 of 2026 (LB-RES)
Judge: Justice B. M. Shyam Prasad
Decision Date: 22 June 2026
