Under Bar Council of India (BCI) rules, a conflict of interest occurs when a lawyer’s duty to one client affects or harms their duty to another client. It also happens when a lawyer’s personal interest, financial interest, or past involvement in a matter can influence their professional judgment. For example, representing two clients with opposite interests in the same case, using confidential information from a previous client against them, or handling a matter where the lawyer has personal connections that may affect fairness.

A lawyer must avoid situations where loyalty or confidentiality towards one client gets compromised. If a conflict appears, the advocate must refuse the case or withdraw from representation. The key rule is that a lawyer must stay impartial, honest, and fully committed to each client without any divided interest.