SC Issues Strict Ban on Photography and Videography Inside High Security Zone
Supreme Court notification, dated September 10, stated that media personnel will be allowed to conduct interviews and live broadcasts only from the designated lawn in the Low Security Zone
According to the circular, the use of mobile phones, cameras, tripods, selfie sticks or other equipment for photography, videography or creating reels has been banned within the High Security Zone
The Supreme Court of India has issued a fresh circular strictly prohibiting photography and videography inside its High Security Zone, except for official purposes. The notification, dated September 10, 2025, was issued by Secretary General Shekhar C. Munghate.
According to the guidelines, media personnel will be allowed to conduct interviews and live broadcasts only from the designated lawn in the Low Security Zone. The use of mobile phones, cameras, tripods, selfie sticks or other equipment for photography, videography or creating reels has been banned within the High Security Zone.
The circular makes clear that violations by Advocates, litigants, interns, or law clerks will invite disciplinary action from the concerned Bar Associations or State Bar Councils.
Media personnel found violating the norms may face suspension of access to the High Security Zone for one month. Any breach by Registry staff will be “viewed seriously,” while for other stakeholders, disciplinary action will be sought from their respective departments.
The circular also empowers security personnel to disallow anyone, Advocates, staff or visitors, from taking photos or videos inside the High Security Zone.
Notably, on July 26, the SCAORA had made a representation before the Chief Justice of India and Supreme Court administration by the raising alarm over a growing trend of advocates filming video reels and creating promotional content within the Supreme Court premises, including inside High Security Zones, for dissemination on social media platforms.
Calling the practice unethical and potentially dangerous, the SCAORA had urged the Court to immediately issue clear guidelines to prohibit such activities.
The representation was backed by signatures of several members of the Bar and highlights concerns about a surge in videography, particularly aimed at social media engagement, which allegedly results in indirect solicitation, a practice prohibited under the Bar Council of India Rules.
While some of these videos carried disclaimers claiming to be ‘informational’ in nature, the Association had stated that they often end up functioning as surrogate advertisements or attempts at professional self-promotion.
SCAORA had emphasized that such conduct not only erodes the dignity and decorum of the profession but also undermines public trust in the legal system. “This is particularly serious when Advocates-on-Record participate,” the letter states, pointing to the higher ethical obligations borne by AORs in upholding the profession’s standards.
Even more concerning, the Association had flagged the use of courtroom clippings, either from live-streamed hearings or otherwise, being incorporated into such videos. These practices, according to SCAORA, risk misrepresenting judicial proceedings, spreading misinformation, and promoting a culture of sensationalism around the Court's work.
The use of truncated or decontextualized video clips, especially from live streams, has been previously flagged by judges themselves, who have expressed concern over the potential for manipulation and erosion of judicial authority.
The letter also stated the security risks involved in unauthorized filming within the Supreme Court, particularly in High Security Zones. It calls such acts a serious breach of the security protocols in place to ensure the integrity and safe functioning of the Court.
SCAORA had also assured the Court of its full cooperation in formulating and implementing appropriate regulatory measures and has expressed confidence that timely intervention will help safeguard the sanctity of the legal profession and protect the institutional integrity of the Supreme Court.
Circular Dated: September 10, 2025
Circular By: Supreme Court of India