Social media popularity not the same as credibility: CJI Surya Kant to new Advocates-on-Record

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has cautioned new Advocates-on-Record against equating social media popularity with professional success, emphasizing that lasting respect in the legal profession comes from hard work and credibility earned inside courtrooms rather than online visibility.

At a felicitation ceremony for the 2025 batch of Advocates-on-Record organised by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Wednesday cautioned newly inducted AoRs against equating social media popularity with professional success. The CJI emphasized that lasting respect in the legal profession comes from hard work and credibility earned inside courtrooms rather than online visibility. This warning highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between one's online presence and their professional development as lawyers.

The Indian legal profession has seen an increasing emphasis on social media presence, with many lawyers using platforms to promote themselves and their services. However, this trend has also led to concerns about the blurring of lines between personal and professional life, as well as the potential for lawyers to prioritize online popularity over actual competence and credibility.

The CJI's warning serves as a reminder that social media popularity is not a reliable indicator of a lawyer's abilities or character. In fact, it can often be misleading, as individuals may present themselves in a more favourable light online than they do in real-life professional settings. Furthermore, the constant need to maintain an online presence can be distracting and time-consuming, potentially detracting from a lawyer's ability to focus on their work and develop their skills.

In conclusion, Chief Justice Surya Kant's warning to new Advocates-on-Record is a timely reminder of the importance of maintaining a professional approach in the legal profession. Lawyers should prioritize developing their skills and earning credibility through hard work rather than chasing online popularity. By doing so, they can build lasting respect within the Bar and earn the trust of their clients and colleagues.