Kerala High Court Advocates Warn Against Filming Reels in Court Premises

NEW DELHI: The Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA) has warned lawyers that filming reels or posting videos from inside or around the court premises could amount to professional misconduct, and disciplinary action can be taken under the Advocates Act.

The warning, issued on June 3, comes amid a rise in lawyers filming themselves in court corridors, often in robes, and sharing the content on social media platforms.

What is the KHCAA notice about

The KHCAA issued a formal notice warning its members against making and sharing reels and videos within the high court premises. The association said such conduct is incompatible with the dignity and ethics expected of advocates. The notice mentioned Section 49(1)(c) of the Advocates Act and the Bar Council of India Rules, stating that such behaviour violates the standards of professional conduct prescribed for lawyers. It also warned that action could be initiated against erring lawyers under Section 35 of the Advocates Act, which deals with punishment for professional misconduct. The notice further added that the members were advised to immediately refrain from posting such content on social media platforms.

What is Section 49(1)(c) of the Advocates Act and the Bar Council of India Rules

Section 49(1)(c) of the Advocates Act, 1961, empowers the Bar Council of India to frame rules governing the standards of professional conduct and etiquette that advocates must observe. Under this provision, the BCI has laid down a detailed code of conduct for lawyers, covering how they must behave in court, with clients, and in public life. The rules require lawyers to conduct themselves with dignity at all times, both inside and outside the courtroom. They are expected to uphold the honour and dignity of the legal profession and to refrain from any act that could lower its standing in the eyes of the public. Making and circulating reels or videos for social media engagement, particularly from within court premises, is seen as foul of these standards.

What could be the punishment and what could it mean for lawyers?

Section 35 of the Advocates Act is the key provision that deals with punishment for professional misconduct. If a complaint is received against an advocate or if the State Bar Council acts on its own, the matter is referred to a disciplinary committee for inquiry. If found guilty of misconduct, a lawyer can face one of the following consequences —reprimand, suspension from practice for a specified period, or in the most serious cases, removal of their name from the roll of advocates, which effectively ends their legal career. For something like making reels in court premises, a reprimand or a short suspension would be the more likely outcome. But a misconduct finding can damage a lawyer's professional reputation, affect their standing before courts, or their credibility may be called into question.