Kerala High Court bans unauthorised photography, videography in its premises; issues guidelines

The Kerala High Court has notified guidelines to regulate photography, video recording, and live streaming on its premises.

Named the 'General Guidelines for the regulation of Photography, Videography and Live Streaming in the High Court premises', these guidelines are aimed at ensuring security, privacy, decorum, and smooth operations at the High Court.

The guidelines prohibit photography, videography and live streaming within High Court premises except when permitted under separate guidelines regarding the allotment of certain premises within the High Court such as the auditorium and banquet hall, for special events.

An exception may be also carved out with the prior permission of the Registrar General or anyone authorised to do the same by the Chief Justice.

The guidelines also ban uploading, publishing, circulating, and disseminating photos, videos, or live streams recorded within High Court premises on social media and other electronic media without prior permission from the Registrar General or an authorised person.

Photography, videography and livestreaming are completely banned inside court halls, judges' chambers, registry offices and sections, record rooms, security control rooms, server rooms, and other restricted/secured areas, unless there is specific authorisation for official purposes.

Official photography and videography

Photography, videography and live streaming for official purposes shall be undertaken only by personnel or agencies authorised by the Registry. These shall be used only for official purposes and shall not be disseminated except with approval.

Media coverage

Coverage of official functions or other events by print, electronic or digital media shall be governed by permissions granted by the Registrar General or any officer authorised by the Chief Justice.

Media personnel shall confine their activities strictly to the approved venue, date and time and shall comply with all directions issued by the Registry and the Security Wing, the guidelines add.

Security and Enforcement

Officers of the High Court Registry and personnel of the Security Wing shall be authorised to prevent, stop or restrict any unauthorised photography, videography or live streaming within the High Court premises. Any person found violating these guidelines may be directed to cease such activity immediately, and the matter may be reported to the Registry for appropriate action.

Consequences in the even of violations

If any of these guielines are violated by an advocate, law intern, or law clerk, the matter may be referred to the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA), the Bar Council of Kerala or any other competent authority, for appropriate action.

If the violatiion is committed by an officer or employee of the Registry or of any other office functioning within the High Court premises, the matter may be referred to the controlling officer or any other competent authority for appropriate action.

If the violation is committed by media personnel or any other visitor, permission for future entry or coverage may be withdrawn or restricted, without prejudice to any other action that may be taken, the guidelines stated.