The Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association (KHCAA) has issued a notice cautioning advocates against creating, appearing in, or circulating videos and social media reels recorded within or around the premises of the Kerala High Court. The Association expressed concern over the increasing trend of advocates producing and sharing such content on social media platforms and stated that these activities are inconsistent with the standards of professional conduct expected from members of the legal profession. The notice emphasizes that advocates are required to uphold the dignity of the court and maintain the decorum associated with the administration of justice.
According to the notice, the Association has observed a growing number of videos and reels being recorded on the High Court campus and subsequently circulated through various social media platforms. The KHCAA stated that such activities are not permissible and are contrary to the ethical obligations that accompany the legal profession. The Association noted that advocates occupy a special position in the justice delivery system and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that preserves public confidence in courts and legal institutions.
The notice stressed that the creation and dissemination of reels and videos from court premises do not conform to the standards of dignity, ethics, and professional behavior required of advocates. The Association observed that the legal profession is governed by well-established norms intended to maintain the sanctity of judicial institutions and that conduct capable of diminishing the prestige of the profession cannot be encouraged. It therefore advised advocates to refrain from participating in activities that could undermine the reputation of the legal fraternity.
In support of its position, the Association referred to statutory and regulatory provisions governing professional conduct. The notice specifically cited Section 49(1)(c) of the Advocates Act, 1961, which relates to standards of professional conduct and etiquette for advocates. It also referred to Rule 36 of Chapter II, Part VI of the Bar Council of India Rules, which restricts advocates from directly or indirectly soliciting work or engaging in forms of publicity that are inconsistent with professional norms. According to the Association, the recording and circulation of social media content from court premises can fall within the scope of conduct prohibited by these provisions.
The KHCAA observed that social media activity by advocates must remain consistent with the ethical obligations imposed by law and by professional regulatory frameworks. The notice highlighted that the responsibility of advocates extends beyond courtroom appearances and includes preserving the dignity of judicial institutions in all public-facing activities. The Association stated that content created within court premises has the potential to affect public perceptions regarding the functioning and decorum of courts and therefore requires careful restraint.
The Association further warned that disciplinary consequences could follow if advocates continue to engage in such activities. Referring to Section 35 of the Advocates Act, the notice stated that advocates found making, featuring in, or circulating reels and videos from the High Court premises may face disciplinary proceedings for professional misconduct. The warning underscored the seriousness with which the Association views conduct that it believes compromises professional standards and the image of the legal profession.
The notice urged all members of the Association to exercise restraint in their use of social media and to avoid creating content from court premises. It emphasized that advocates should remain mindful of their professional responsibilities and should ensure that their actions reflect the dignity and integrity expected of officers of the court. The Association reiterated that maintaining respect for judicial institutions is a collective responsibility shared by members of the Bar.
The development comes against the backdrop of increasing attention being paid to the use of social media by members of the legal profession. Questions relating to online visibility, self-promotion, and the boundaries of professional conduct have gained prominence as social media platforms have become widely used for personal and professional communication. The KHCAA’s notice reflects concerns about balancing technological and social media engagement with the ethical obligations traditionally associated with advocacy.
The notice also recalls earlier instances in which social media content involving judicial institutions attracted regulatory scrutiny. In a previous matter, the Bar Council of Kerala issued a show-cause notice to a newly enrolled advocate after a social media reel relating to his enrollment ceremony included visuals of a Kerala High Court judge’s official vehicle and its identifying details. The Bar Council viewed the content as raising concerns regarding professional conduct and the dignity of the judiciary, and sought an explanation from the advocate regarding the publication of the video.
The KHCAA indicated that the present warning is intended to prevent similar situations and to remind advocates of their obligations under the Advocates Act and the Bar Council of India Rules. The Association emphasized that professional ethics require advocates to maintain high standards of conduct both inside and outside courtrooms. Activities that may appear harmless on social media can nevertheless have implications for the perception of the profession and the institution of the judiciary.
The notice was issued by the Secretary of the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association and addressed to members of the legal community practicing before the High Court. Through the communication, the Association sought to reinforce adherence to professional norms and ensure that advocates remain conscious of the responsibilities that accompany their role within the justice system. The warning specifically advises lawyers not to make, participate in, or share reels and videos from the High Court premises and cautions that disciplinary proceedings may follow in cases where such conduct is found to constitute professional misconduct.
The Association’s position is that advocates must preserve the dignity of courts and maintain the highest standards of professional ethics at all times. By issuing the notice, the KHCAA has sought to address the increasing circulation of social media content from court premises and to reaffirm that conduct inconsistent with the decorum of the legal profession may attract consequences under the regulatory framework governing advocates. The notice concludes with a call upon members of the Bar to uphold the reputation of the profession and the institution of the judiciary through adherence to established standards of professional conduct.
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