The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has submitted a formal representation to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, urging the immediate issuance of comprehensive guidelines to prohibit videography, photography, and social media content creation by advocates within the Supreme Court premises, especially in high-security zones.
The representation, dated 25 July 2025, reflects growing concern among members of the Bar over the increasing trend of advocates producing and sharing videos often self-promotional in nature on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and X. These videos frequently feature courtroom premises, corridors, and even references to ongoing cases. SCAORA warned that such activities may constitute prohibited solicitation under the Bar Council of India Rules, and also risk diminishing the dignity of the legal profession, misrepresenting judicial proceedings, and breaching established security protocols.
The association highlighted that some videos have used snippets from live-streamed proceedings or included misleading commentary, contributing to trial by media and distorting public perception of pending cases. Such conduct, SCAORA emphasized, undermines the sanctity of courtrooms, erodes judicial authority, and can harm the reputation of the legal profession.
Citing the repeated concerns expressed by Hon’ble Judges over misuse of courtroom content, SCAORA has called for the following measures:
A complete prohibition on content creation (video, audio, photography) within Supreme Court premises, unless expressly permitted by Court protocol;
A reiteration of the ban on direct or indirect solicitation by advocates through social media or public platforms;
A restriction on sharing or uploading court proceedings outside official Supreme Court channels; and
Strict disciplinary action against violations, with added responsibility on Advocates-on-Record.