The Kerala High Court has issued formal guidelines governing photography, videography and live streaming on its premises, titled the 'General Guidelines for the Regulation of Photography, Videography and Live Streaming in the High Court Premises'. The guidelines were notified to ensure security, privacy, decorum and the smooth functioning of judicial work within the court complex.
The court has prohibited all forms of photography, videography and live streaming within its premises unless expressly permitted under separate guidelines for specific areas such as the auditorium and banquet hall during special events. Any such activity requires prior permission from the Registrar General or any officer authorised by the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court.
The guidelines explicitly ban the uploading, publishing, circulating or disseminating of any photos, videos or live streams recorded within the High Court premises on social media or other electronic platforms without obtaining prior permission from the Registrar General or an authorised person. This restriction applies uniformly to all individuals present on the premises, including advocates, litigants, law students, media personnel and visitors.
Photography, videography and live streaming are completely prohibited inside court halls, judges' chambers, registry offices and sections, record rooms, security control rooms, server rooms and other restricted or secured areas. Exceptions may only be made for official purposes when specifically authorised by the Registry.
For official purposes, photography, videography and live streaming may only be undertaken by personnel or agencies duly authorised by the Registry. Such recordings must be used solely for official purposes and shall not be disseminated or shared without prior approval from the competent authority.
Media coverage of official functions or events held within the High Court premises shall be governed by permissions granted by the Registrar General or any officer authorised by the Chief Justice. Media personnel are required to confine their activities strictly to the approved venue, date and time and must comply with all directions issued by the Registry and the Security Wing of the High Court.
The Security Wing of the High Court Registry and its personnel are authorised to prevent, stop or restrict any unauthorised photography, videography or live streaming within the premises. Any person found violating these guidelines may be directed to cease the activity immediately, and the matter may be reported to the Registry for further action.
The guidelines outline consequences for violations based on the identity of the violator. If an advocate, law intern or law clerk violates the guidelines, the matter may be referred to the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association, the Bar Council of Kerala or any other competent authority for appropriate action. If the violation is committed by an officer or employee of the Registry or any other office functioning within the High Court premises, the matter may be referred to the controlling officer or any other competent authority. If media personnel or any other visitor violates the guidelines, permission for future entry or coverage may be withdrawn or restricted, without prejudice to any other action that may be taken under law.
The High Court has emphasised that these guidelines are necessary to maintain the dignity of judicial proceedings, protect the privacy of individuals involved in cases, prevent security risks and ensure that the functioning of the court is not disrupted by unauthorised recording or dissemination of visual content.