SCAORA Urges Supreme Court to Regulate Advocate Videography and Content Creation Within Court Premises
📅 Date: 25 July 2025
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| Supreme Court of India building with signage stating 'No Videography or Social Media Posting Allowed' – representing legal ethics and digital regulation |
In a significant development aimed at preserving the integrity of the judiciary and the ethical framework of the legal profession, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has submitted a formal representation to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, seeking the issuance of strict guidelines regarding videography and social media content creation by advocates within the Supreme Court premises.
The letter, dated 25 July 2025, was signed by SCAORA President Mr. Vipin Nair and Secretary Mr. Nikhil Jain, and it highlights an alarming trend of legal professionals—especially Advocates-on-Record (AORs)—engaging in content creation for social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, often in high-security zones of the Supreme Court. These posts are reportedly being used as an indirect means of soliciting legal work, which contravenes the Bar Council of India Rules prohibiting such practices.
Concerns raised by SCAORA
According to the representation and the enclosed bar members’ communication:
- Advocates have been recording videos, making reels, and posting photographs within the court premises, some of which even include snippets of courtroom proceedings, extracted from live-streamed content.
- Although many such videos include disclaimers claiming that the material is for "informational purposes only," the presence of contact details, promotional undertones, or calls to action often crosses into prohibited solicitation.
- The SCAORA emphasised that such content diminishes the dignity of the legal profession, undermines the sanctity of the judiciary, and misleads the public about judicial proceedings, particularly when taken out of context.
- The misuse of video footage poses a threat to security protocols, especially when conducted within high-security areas of the Supreme Court.
- Hon’ble Judges of the Supreme Court have previously expressed concern over short video clips being distorted or sensationalised online, potentially damaging public perception and the judicial process itself. SCAORA, backed by over 40 advocates and AORs, has formally requested the Hon’ble CJI to:
Specific Requests Made to the CJI
- Issue a comprehensive guideline explicitly prohibiting any form of videography, photography, or social media content creation within the Supreme Court premises, particularly in high-security zones, unless specifically authorised.
- Reinforce the Bar Council of India’s ban on direct and indirect solicitation, particularly through online platforms.
- Ban unauthorised recording and uploading of Supreme Court proceedings, whether recorded or live-streamed, on any public platform other than the official ones authorised by the Supreme Court.
- Implement disciplinary actions against violators, particularly against Advocates-on-Record, due to their heightened duty to maintain professional standards.
Broader Implications
This move reflects the increasing concern within the legal community about “trial by social media” and the erosion of public trust in the judicial process. It also raises questions about digital ethics, especially in an era when court proceedings are being live-streamed and technology is rapidly becoming integrated into the justice system. Notably, this call for regulation comes in light of the Supreme Court’s ongoing efforts to develop a secure official live-streaming platform, which aims to balance transparency with protection against misuse and misinformation.
PDF of the Official Notification
Conclusion
The representation by SCAORA highlights a critical crossroad in the Indian legal system between the benefits of digital transparency and the dangers of ethical compromise. As the Hon’ble Supreme Court considers these recommendations, the outcome could shape the future framework for legal conduct in the digital age.
