On 25 September 2026, the Kerala High Court issued guidelines prohibiting unauthorised photography, videography, and live-streaming within its premises. This order establishes a statutory-like framework governing visual media inside the court. Advocates, media personnel, and visitors must now obtain prior permission or face denial of entry and possible disciplinary action, with subsequent online dissemination also restricted without approval.

Full News Breakdown

The court introduced these guidelines to address security, privacy, and decorum concerns raised by unrestricted media activity inside its buildings. After considering the need for orderly functioning, it formally adopted the “General Guidelines for the regulation of Photography, Videography and Live Streaming in the High Court premises”.

• Court: Kerala High Court

• Date: 25 September 2026

• Primary Legal Issue: Regulation of photography, videography and live-streaming within court premises

• Operative Order: Issuance of comprehensive guidelines banning unauthorised visual recording and mandating prior permission for any such activity

• Practical Outcome: Enforcement by the Registry and Security Wing; violations may be referred to the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association, the Bar Council of Kerala or other competent authorities, and future media access may be withdrawn

How Does This Affect You?

Previously, the absence of explicit rules governing visual media capture within the High Court created ambiguity regarding permissible conduct. The court has now definitively clarified that any visual recording is prohibited unless expressly authorised by the Registrar General or a designated officer. This shift fundamentally alters the landscape for legal practitioners, media, and visitors, introducing a clear requirement for prior consent and establishing consequences for non-compliance. This change directly impacts the three audience groups outlined below.

For Lawyers & Advocates

• Obtain written permission from the Registrar General before any client or witness is photographed or filmed inside the High Court, as the guidelines now make such consent a prerequisite, impacting evidence collection and client communication strategies.

• Advise clients and witnesses that any breach may be reported to the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association or the Bar Council of Kerala, exposing them to disciplinary proceedings under the Advocates Act, 1961.

• Incorporate a checklist in case-preparation workflows to verify that no unauthorised visual media will be present in courtrooms, chambers, or record rooms, mitigating the risk of contempt or disciplinary action.

• When representing media organisations, negotiate the scope of permitted coverage under the separate auditorium/banquet-hall provisions and document the agreement to avoid later disputes over the extent of access.

• Leverage the explicit prohibition to object to any unauthorised recording by opposing parties or third-party observers, thereby protecting client privacy and maintaining courtroom decorum during sensitive proceedings.

For Law Students

This case teaches how judicial institutions assert their inherent power to regulate internal functioning and maintain decorum, balancing it against public access and freedom of expression. The core legal doctrine students should focus on is the regulation of courtroom media access and the balance between freedom of expression and institutional security.

The decision is particularly relevant for the study of:

• Media Law

• Professional Ethics

• Constitutional Law (specifically Article 19(1)(a) and Article 19(2))

• Administrative Law

Comparing this judgment with Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India, 2017, Supreme Court of India, illuminates the privacy dimension that underpins the High Court’s restrictions, while Indian Express Ltd. v. Union of India, 2018, Supreme Court of India, explores the limits of press freedom when confronted with state-imposed restrictions. These comparisons highlight the doctrinal question of how Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution interacts with the High Court’s authority to impose visual-media bans for security and decorum. An examiner question likely would be: Discuss the tension between freedom of speech and the court’s power to regulate media inside its premises, citing the Kerala High Court guidelines and relevant Supreme Court pronouncements.

For Businesses

• News agencies and broadcast firms must obtain prior written permission from the Registrar General before any on-site coverage; failure may result in loss of accreditation and legal liability under relevant media regulations.

• Event-management companies using the High Court auditorium for functions must secure explicit approval for any photography or videography, else risk cancellation of future bookings and reputational damage.

• Law firms with interns or associates appearing before the court need to amend internal policies to prohibit unauthorised recordings, thereby avoiding disciplinary referrals to the Bar Council of Kerala and potential professional misconduct claims.

• Corporate legal departments should update their media engagement protocols to include specific compliance checks for court-related visual content, ensuring that any public relations activities involving court premises adhere strictly to the new guidelines.

Key Takeaways

• The law now expressly prohibits unauthorised photography, videography, and live-streaming inside Kerala High Court premises without prior permission.

• Lawyers and media must secure written authorisation before any visual recording, altering pre-court preparation and coverage protocols.

• The High Court’s security officers are empowered to halt unauthorised activity and refer violations to the Bar Association or other competent bodies.

• Monitor forthcoming amendments to the Kerala High Court Rules and similar guidelines in other state high courts, which may broaden the regulatory regime.

• In-house counsel should revise corporate media-engagement policies and conduct training sessions before the next scheduled court appearance of senior executives.

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