Kerala HC bars unauthorised photography, filming and live streaming on premises

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala High Court has issued detailed guidelines prohibiting unauthorised photography, videography and live streaming within its premises, with violations potentially leading to action against advocates, court employees, media personnel and visitors.

The guidelines, titled General Guidelines for the Regulation of Photography, Videography and Live Streaming in the High Court Premises, are intended to protect the security, privacy and decorum of the institution and ensure its smooth functioning. They apply to all persons entering the High Court complex, including advocates, litigants, interns, law clerks, Registry officials, government staff, media personnel, contractors and visitors.

Photography, video recording and live streaming will not be allowed anywhere within the High Court premises unless permission is granted under provisions governing designated venues, such as the auditorium and banquet hall, or through prior approval from the Registrar General or an officer authorised by the Chief Justice.

The court has imposed a complete prohibition on recording or live streaming inside court halls, judges’ chambers, Registry offices and sections, record rooms, security control rooms, server rooms and other restricted areas. Exceptions may be made only for officially authorised purposes.

The guidelines also bar anyone from uploading, publishing, circulating or otherwise disseminating photographs, videos or live streams recorded on the premises through social media or other electronic platforms without prior permission from the Registrar General or an authorised authority.

Official recording may be undertaken only by personnel or agencies authorised by the Registry. Any material produced for official purposes must be used only for that purpose and cannot be shared without approval.

Media coverage of official events will require prior permission from the Registrar General or an officer authorised by the Chief Justice. Accredited print, electronic and digital media personnel must restrict their work to the approved venue, date and time, and follow directions issued by the Registry and the Security Wing.

Registry officers and Security Wing personnel have been authorised to stop or restrict unauthorised recording. In cases involving advocates, law interns or law clerks, the matter may be referred to the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association, the Bar Council of Kerala or another competent authority. Violations by Registry employees may be referred to the concerned controlling officer.

For media personnel and visitors, the court may withdraw or restrict future entry and coverage permissions, apart from initiating any other action considered appropriate.

(Inputs from IANS)