Supreme Court Declares ‘No Reel Zone’: Strict Ban on Photography and Videography in High Security Areas

In context to the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association’s concern regarding the photography and videography in the top court’s premises by advocates and cyber influencers, the Supreme Court (SC) of India issued a circular prohibiting photography and videography in high security areas except for official purposes. The circular lays down strict guidelines stating that equipment such as camera, tripod, selfie-stick etc. used for videography, creating reels, and clicking photographs will be restricted in the High Security Zone. The circular reads as follows: “The Competent Authority has been pleased to issue the following guidelines with immediate effect:

1. Photography and videography is prohibited inside the High Security Zone of the Supreme Court of India, save and except for official use.
2. The media personnel to conduct interviews and live broadcasting of news at their designated location i.e. lawn in Low Security Zone.
3. Use of mobile phone for photography and videography is prohibited in the lawn of High Security Zone.
4. Equipment such as camera, tripod, selfie-stick etc. used for videography, creating reels and clicking photographs shall be restricted in the High Security Zone, except for official use.
5. In case of violation of above guidelines by an Advocate, Litigant, Intern or a Law Clerk, concerned Bar Association or concerned State Bar Council shall take appropriate action against the violator as per their rules & regulations.
6. In case of violation of above guidelines by a media personnel, their access to the High Security Zone of the Supreme Court of India may be restricted for a period of one month.
7. Any violation of above guidelines by staff of the Registry will be viewed seriously, and in case of other stakeholders, their concerned head of department shall be requested to take disciplinary action against the violator as per their rules and regulations.
8. The security personnel shall reserve right to disallow any individual, staff member, advocate or others from taking photographs or making videos inside the High Security Zone of the Supreme Court of India.”