The Allahabad High Court has imposed sweeping restrictions on the digital and social media activities of judicial officers, officials and employees, prohibiting them from recording courtroom proceedings, sharing photographs or videos of court premises, promoting political content and earning revenue through social media accounts.
The restrictions also prohibit the use of social media accounts operated by family members, relatives or third parties to circulate institutional material. Any violation may result in immediate disciplinary proceedings.
An office memorandum issued by the High Court’s Establishment Section on October 27, 2026, gives effect to directions issued by the Chief Justice on October 26 to address contemporary digital vulnerabilities. The restrictions apply to the Allahabad High Court, its Lucknow Bench and the district judiciary.
Ban on Recording and Sharing Courtroom Videos
Under the new directions, judicial officers and court employees cannot record, upload, broadcast or livestream videos, photographs, snippets or audio recordings relating to courtroom proceedings or official premises on personal digital platforms.
The prohibition covers courtroom activities, office interiors, corridors, judges’ chambers, residential offices and official functions.
The restrictions apply irrespective of whether the material is shared as a photograph, video clip, audio reel or other digital content.
Family Members Cannot Be Used to Circulate Official Content
The High Court has also prohibited judicial officers and employees from using proxy social media accounts to disseminate information relating to institutional matters.
Accounts operated by family members, relatives, associates or third parties cannot be used to publish or promote content obtained during official duties or recorded within court premises.
The memorandum makes clear that circulating such material through external persons or accounts will not shield the employee concerned from responsibility.
It further directs judicial officers and staff to discourage family members from posting content that displays institutional privileges associated with their positions.
The High Court has specified that indirect publication through proxy accounts will be treated as a personal violation of confidentiality and conduct rules by the employee concerned.
Political Activity on Social Media Strictly Prohibited
The directions impose an absolute prohibition on digital political activity by judicial officers, officials and Class-IV employees.
Citing Rule 5 of the Uttar Pradesh Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1956, the memorandum bars them from promoting political parties, candidates or political agendas through personal or proxy social media accounts.
Employees have also been prohibited from participating in online political campaigns, using partisan hashtags or engaging in public controversies involving government decisions, legislative policies and election debates.
The restriction extends to liking, reposting, sharing or commenting on politically charged or highly volatile content.
No YouTube Monetisation, Sponsorships or Advertising Revenue
The High Court has prohibited judicial officers and staff from commercially exploiting their social media presence.
Under the directions, employees cannot activate monetisation features, accept corporate sponsorships, receive advertising revenue shares or otherwise financially benefit from digital media accounts.
The memorandum specifically addresses personal YouTube channels, public blogs and Instagram profiles that generate advertising income or brand endorsement revenue using material obtained through official duties or recorded inside court complexes.
Such activities have been classified as prohibited private trade or employment under Rule 15 of the Uttar Pradesh Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1956.
The High Court has warned that revenue generated through these activities will invite immediate disciplinary action involving major penalties.
Only Authorised Channels Can Publish Institutional Information
The memorandum reserves the publication of official institutional information for designated authorities.
Notifications, educational material concerning court operations and official media-related updates must be issued exclusively through the authorised Media Cell, relevant High Court or district court sections, or other designated personnel.
Individual judicial officers and employees cannot independently publish institutional material on digital platforms.
However, the restrictions do not apply to information, official documents, notifications or institutional material specifically approved by the competent authority for public dissemination.
Immediate Disciplinary Action for Violations
The High Court has directed strict compliance with the restrictions and provided for immediate disciplinary proceedings whenever violations are detected or reported to the Registry.
Proceedings may be initiated under the Allahabad High Court Officers and Staff (Conditions of Service and Conduct) Rules, 1976, or the Uttar Pradesh State District Court Service Rules, 2013, read with the Uttar Pradesh Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1956, as applicable.
The memorandum directs officers, officials and employees at the Allahabad High Court and its Lucknow Bench to follow the Chief Justice’s directions without exception.
The Registrar (Establishment) has also instructed the concerned administrative authorities to circulate the memorandum among judicial officers and court employees and arrange for its publication on the High Court’s official website.
The restrictions have come into force with immediate effect.
