The Supreme Court of India has issued a strict circular prohibiting photography and videography within its High Security Zone, except for official purposes, in a move aimed at ensuring the security and decorum of the Court.
The guidelines, issued by the Secretary General and effective immediately, bar advocates, litigants, interns, law clerks, and media personnel from recording or capturing content inside the High Security Zone using mobile phones, cameras, tripods, or selfie sticks.
Restrictions Apply To All Except Official Use
The circular makes it clear that photography and videography are only permitted for official use. Personal recording, reels, or any social media content creation is strictly prohibited inside the High Security Zone. However, media coverage such as interviews and live broadcasts will still be allowed, but only at the designated media lawn in the Low Security Zone.
The new rules aim to preserve the Court’s solemnity while addressing growing concerns over casual content creation by advocates and influencers within Court premises.
Key Guidelines Issued By Court
The circular outlines the following rules:
- Photography and videography inside the High Security Zone is prohibited, except for official purposes.
- Media interviews and live news broadcasts may only be conducted at the designated location — the lawn in the Low Security Zone.
- The use of mobile phones for photography or videography is banned in the High Security Zone.
- Equipment like cameras, tripods, and selfie sticks cannot be used for videography or reels within the High Security Zone, unless officially permitted.
- Advocates, interns, law clerks, and litigants found violating these rules will be disciplined by their respective Bar Associations or State Bar Councils.
- Media personnel found in violation may face restricted access to the High Security Zone for up to one month.
- Registry staff violating the rules will face strict action, and heads of departments are directed to take disciplinary measures against any other stakeholders.
- Security personnel are empowered to prevent any individual from recording or photographing within the High Security Zone.
Prompted By Growing Concerns
The decision follows recent concerns raised by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association, which wrote to the Chief Justice expressing alarm over photography and videography by advocates and social media influencers within Court premises.
Similarly, the Supreme Court Bar Association passed a resolution recommending stern action against such behavior, emphasizing that “reel-making” and casual content creation disrupt the Court’s environment.
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