Bar Council of Kerala Warns Lawyers Against Recording Online Court Proceedings
Notification issued after High Court flagged unauthorized video uploads of hearings
Council stresses dignity of judiciary; warns of disciplinary action for violations
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: February 13, 2026:
The Bar Council of Kerala (BCK) has issued a stern warning to lawyers across the state, cautioning them against recording or uploading online court proceedings. The move comes after the Kerala High Court flagged instances of unauthorized recordings of virtual hearings being circulated on platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp.
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The Council’s notification, dated February 3, 2026, was sent to all Bar Associations in Kerala, emphasizing that such actions undermine the dignity of the judiciary and may attract disciplinary consequences.
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Case Background
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- The Kerala High Court, in a letter dated December 20, 2025, drew attention to unauthorized recordings of online hearings.
- One such recording had been uploaded to YouTube by an advocate, prompting serious concern.
- The High Court requested the Bar Council to take immediate steps to prevent recurrence.
- The Bar Council responded by issuing a statewide directive, warning lawyers against recording or sharing proceedings conducted via video conferencing.
Court’s Observations in Earlier Cases
- In 2025, Justice P. Gopinath of the Kerala High Court had already ruled that lawyers attending hearings via video conferencing do not have the right to record or circulate proceedings.
- The Court noted that such actions could amount to contempt of court, as they lower the dignity of judicial institutions.
- These precedents formed the basis of the Bar Council’s latest warning.
Key Points from the Bar Council’s Notification
- Strict prohibition: Lawyers are barred from recording, uploading, or sharing online court proceedings.
- Professional conduct: Such acts are considered misconduct under professional ethics.
- Disciplinary action: Violators may face proceedings before the Bar Council.
- Preserving dignity: The Council stressed that the judiciary’s dignity must be maintained in both physical and virtual courtrooms.
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Implications of the Directive
- For Lawyers: Clear reminder to respect professional boundaries and avoid misuse of technology.
- For Courts: Reinforces judicial authority in regulating virtual hearings.
- For Litigants: Ensures privacy and confidentiality of proceedings.
- For Legal System: Strengthens trust in online hearings as part of India’s e-Courts initiative.
Broader Legal Significance
This directive highlights the evolving challenges of digital justice. While video conferencing has made courts more accessible, it has also raised concerns about privacy, misuse, and contempt. The Kerala High Court and Bar Council’s actions underline the need for ethical digital practices in the legal profession.
Conclusion
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The Bar Council of Kerala’s warning against recording online court proceedings is a timely reminder of the importance of professional ethics in the digital age. By reinforcing judicial dignity and confidentiality, the directive ensures that technology serves justice without compromising its integrity.
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