Kerala Bar Council Issues Show Cause Notice to Newly Enrolled Advocate Over Instagram Reel Featuring High Court Judge’s Official Vehicle
Pranav B Prem
The Bar Council of Kerala has issued a show cause notice to a newly enrolled advocate, Fayiz Muthuvatoor, for allegedly posting a short video on Instagram that includes visuals of the official vehicle of a sitting Judge of the Kerala High Court. The video, presented as a celebratory reel of his enrollment, has raised serious concerns over judicial decorum and the professional conduct expected from advocates.
According to the notice dated June 4, 2025, Fayiz had been enrolled with the Bar Council of Kerala on June 1, 2025, following his application dated April 21, 2025. Just three days later, on June 4, a video showing visuals of the judge’s official vehicle—bearing the national flag, Ashoka Chakra, and a visible name board reading “Judge High Court of Kerala” along with the vehicle number (KL7CP2287)—was found circulating widely across WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms. The video later transitions to visuals from the enrollment ceremony and related moments from the day.
The Bar Council observed that the reel amounts to advertising and soliciting, a practice prohibited under the Bar Council of India Rules. The use of the judge’s official car in the opening shot was viewed as “ill-motivated, malicious and mischievous against the judiciary.” The Council expressed the view that such actions are not only in bad taste but also tend to demean the dignity of the judiciary, especially when performed by an advocate just entering the profession.
In its notice, the Bar Council stated that it holds a prima facie impression that Fayiz’s conduct constitutes professional misconduct under Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961. The Council has called upon the advocate to submit a written explanation within 15 days, showing cause as to why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him. The video in question was reportedly removed from the Instagram page following the circulation and backlash. However, the Council’s notice makes it clear that the damage had already been done by the time of its removal.
This incident has sparked conversations about ethical boundaries for lawyers on social media and the standards expected from members of the Bar, especially when engaging with public platforms. The matter is currently under preliminary consideration by the Bar Council pending a response from the advocate.
[Read/Download Notice]
