SCAORA urges CJI to curb reels and videography in court premises

The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has written to Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai urging immediate institutional guidelines to curb the growing trend of lawyers filming reels and promotional videos inside the Supreme Court premises including in restricted and high-security areas..The communication was made following an internal resolution by the Association’s members and was formally sent under the signatures of SCAORA President Vipin Nair and Honorary Secretary Nikhil Jain..In the communication, SCAORA warned of an “alarming rise” in advocates creating video reels, engaging in videography and producing related content within the Supreme Court premises including in the Court's high security zone, and uploading the same on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X.“Many of these videos… often end up promoting the individuals concerned by displaying their contact details or conveying messages amounting to impermissible solicitation, which is expressly prohibited under Bar Council of India Rules,” the Association stated..While some of this content is posted with disclaimers suggesting it is meant for public awareness, the Association said that it often becomes a vehicle for personal publicity and solicitation both expressly barred by legal ethics. “Such activities not only diminish the dignity and decorum of the legal profession but also risk eroding public trust in the legal system,” the letter stated.SCAORA emphasised that even Advocates-on-Record (AoRs) who bear special professional responsibility engage in such conduct. “This is particularly serious when Advocates-on-Record participate, given their heightened responsibility to uphold professional standards,” it said..It also highlighted that clips from live-streamed courtroom proceedings were being used in such videos, raising the risk of distortion and misinformation. “Such practices can misrepresent judicial proceedings, undermine the sanctity of the Court and spread misinformation,” the Association cautioned.SCAORA also raised concerns about institutional integrity and public perception since such acts interfere with the fairness of the judicial process and tarnish the reputation of both the judiciary and the legal profession.The letter pointed out that the judiciary itself has acknowledged the issue. “Hon'ble Judges of the Supreme Court have repeatedly expressed apprehensions about misuse of short video clips especially those taken out of context from live streams which can result in misinformation and sensationalism, thereby undermining judicial authority,” SCAORA said..The Association urged the CJI to:1. Prohibit all forms of videography, photography, or social media content creation inside Supreme Court premises, especially in high-security zones, unless permitted under official court protocols;2. Reiterate the prohibition on indirect or direct legal solicitation via public platforms in line with Bar Council regulations;3. Ban the uploading or circulation of court proceedings or livestream footage outside of the Supreme Court’s authorised channels;4. Initiate disciplinary action against violations, with emphasis on ensuring accountability of AoRs..Attached to the letter was a separate representation addressed to the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the SCAORA executive, also dated July 25. Signed by at least 42 members of the Bar, it echoed the same concerns and urged internal regulatory steps from within the legal fraternity..“This is to bring your attention to a growing concern regarding the increasing trend of advocates making reels and videographic content within the Hon’ble Supreme Court premises, especially in the High Security Zone,” it stated. The signatories underlined that such videos were often uploaded with inaccurate, false and misleading information and contact details and warned that even AORs were involved, setting a questionable precedent for the entire legal community..This communication was also marked to the Bar Council of India and the Bar Council of Delhi for necessary consideration and action..[Read SCAORA Letter]