The Indian government is expected to amend the Chartered Accountants Act of 1949, aimed at relaxing the advertising constraints currently imposed on chartered accountants and their firms, reported Economic Times (ET).
The anticipated legislative amendment is directed at providing these professionals with the ability to advertise their services to expand their businesses, the news publication added.
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Under the existing provisions of the Act, chartered accountants (CA) and their firms are subject to stringent advertising regulations, which include limitations on the content and presentation of “write-ups”.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) president Charanjot Singh Nanda has indicated that the apex body for auditors has presented modifications to the corporate affairs ministry that are expected to further liberalise advertisement regulations for its members.
In line with this, the ICAI is considering an overhaul of its Code of Ethics, which governs the professional conduct of chartered accountants and firms, Nanda added.
This revision will address the guidelines pertaining to advertising and the websites of accounting firms and their networks.
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By GlobalDataNanda mentioned that the ICAI will soon seek feedback on draft regulations from concerned stakeholders.
The Chartered Accountant Act originally prohibited any advertising by professionals or firms.
It was not until 2006 that the Act was amended to allow limited advertising through write-ups, subject to certain conditions.
Following this amendment, the ICAI established Advertisement Guidelines to define the boundaries of acceptable advertising practices.
Commenting on the latest recommendations, Nanda said: “The need for certain relaxations has been recognised in areas such as the mode of technology used (pull or push mode), event galleries, and font size, among others, and recommendations are being formulated accordingly.”
Among the recommendations that ICAI has submitted to the corporate affairs ministry include
the simplification of regulatory procedures, the provision of fiscal incentives, and the enhancement of the operational capabilities of Indian CA firm networks.
Earlier in October 2025, ET reported that the Indian government is expected to finalise a plan by the March 2026 quarter for the establishment of large audit and consultancy firms that could rival the Big Four.
