New Delhi, September 12, 2025 — In a bid to uphold dignity and tighten security within its premises, the Supreme Court of India has issued a circular prohibiting all photography and videography inside its High Security Zone, except for official purposes .

The directive, signed by Secretary General Shekhar C. Munghate, introduces strict guidelines with immediate effect that apply to advocates, litigants, interns, law clerks, and media personnel alike. These individuals have been barred from using cameras, mobile phones, or equipment such as tripods and selfie sticks for creating reels, taking photographs, or recording videos inside the High Security Zone.

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While the order restricts filming and photography inside the secure premises, the Court has clarified that media activities are not entirely prohibited. Interviews and live broadcasts will continue to be permitted but only from the designated media lawn located in the Low Security Zone.

Key Provisions of the Circular

1. Photography and videography prohibited inside the High Security Zone, save for official use.

2. Media interviews and live broadcasting restricted to the designated media lawn in the Low Security Zone.

3. Use of mobile phones for filming banned in the High Security Zone.

4. Equipment like cameras, tripods, and selfie-sticks barred in the High Security Zone except for official purposes.

5. Advocates, litigants, interns, and law clerks violating the rules will face action by their respective Bar Associations or State Bar Councils.

6. Media personnel found in violation may lose access to the High Security Zone for one month.

7. Registry staff and other stakeholders will face disciplinary action by their departments for any violations.

8. Security personnel empowered to disallow anyone from photographing or filming within the restricted area.

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The move comes amid growing concerns within the legal fraternity about the misuse of court premises for unauthorized filming and social media content creation. Recently, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association wrote to the Chief Justice of India flagging instances of photography and videography by advocates and so-called “cyber influencers.”

Similarly, the Supreme Court Bar Association passed a resolution recommending strict action against lawyers engaging in videography, reel-making, and other forms of social media activity within the Court’s premises.