KHCAA warns lawyers against making reels, videos in Kerala High Court premises

The Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA) has issued a notice, cautioning advocates against creating and sharing videos and reels from within and around the High Court premises.

In a notice issued on June 3, KHCAA secretary advocate Nima Jacob stated that videos and reels filmed from the High Court campus were being circulated widely on social media.

Such conduct is not permissible as it is contrary to the standards expected of advocates under the Advocates Act, 1961 and the Bar Council of India Rules, the notice said.

It specifically referred to Section 49(1)(c) of the Advocates Act which cover professional conduct and etiquette for advocates and Rule 36 of the BCI Rules which prohibits lawyers from directly or indirectly soliciting/advertising their work.

Making and circulating such content on social media do not confirm to the ethical obligations attached to the profession, the bar body made it clear.

Hence, disciplinary action will be initiated under Section 35 (punishment for professional or other misconduct by advocates) of the Advocates Act against advocates found engaging in such activities, the notice warned.

The notice comes amid increasing scrutiny of advocate's use of social media content featuring court remises and judicial institutions.

Last year, the Bar Council of Kerala had issued a show cause notice to a newly enrolled lawyer after a video of his enrolment ceremony, which included visuals of a Kerala High Court judge's official vehicle and number plate, was circulated on social media.

[Read KHCAA Notice]