On Wednesday, the Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA) stepped in following growing concerns over advocates creating and sharing reels and videos from within and around the Kerala High Court premises. Viewing the issue as one involving professional ethics and the dignity of the legal profession, the Association cautioned that such conduct may violate the Advocates Act, 1961, and the Bar Council of India Rules, raising the possibility of disciplinary action against erring lawyers.
The controversy arose after videos and social media reels filmed from the High Court campus began circulating widely online. The KHCAA issued a notice, through its Secretary, Advocate Nima Jacob, advising members to refrain from creating or disseminating such content. The Association pointed out that advocates are bound by professional standards prescribed under Section 49(1)(c) of the Advocates Act, 1961 and Rule 36, Chapter II, Part VI of the Bar Council of India Rules, which govern professional conduct and prohibit direct or indirect solicitation and advertising. The notice comes against the backdrop of increasing scrutiny over lawyer’s use of social media content featuring court premises and judicial institutions.
The KHCAA made its position clear through a formal notice, stating that videos and reels recorded in and around the High Court premises are "not permissible" and are "not in keeping with the dignity and ethics of advocates." The Association further stated that such acts are contrary to the Advocates Act and the Bar Council of India Rules and warned that "Action can be taken against such acts under Section 35 of the Advocates Act."
The notice advised advocates to refrain from engaging in such activities through social media platforms and cautioned that disciplinary proceedings may follow in appropriate cases.
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