Kerala HC Considers Contempt Action Against Advocate Nedumpura for Recording, Circulating Court Proceedings
Kochi, March 11, 2025 – The Kerala High Court has strongly condemned the unauthorized recording and circulation of court proceedings, stating that lawyers do not have the right to record hearings. The court observed that such actions violate established rules and could amount to contempt of court.
Justice P. Gopinath expressed concern over Advocate Mathews Nedumpura’s act of recording and sharing court proceedings via WhatsApp. The court noted that this prima facie interferes with the administration of justice and lowers the dignity of the judiciary.
The High Court cited the Electronic Video Linkage Rules for Courts (Kerala), 2021, along with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Video Conferencing, both of which explicitly prohibit recording court proceedings in any manner.
It observed,
“I am prima facie of the opinion that the recording of proceedings of this Court and circulating it in the manner indicated above constitute contempt of court as it amounts to interference with the administration of justice and lowers the dignity of this Court especially when the Rules of this Court prohibit recording of the proceedings of this Court. Therefore, I direct the Registry to place this judgment before Hon’ble the Chief Justice to consider whether this issue should be taken up on the judicial side by a Bench to be nominated by Hon’ble the Chief Justice. Ordered accordingly”.
Advocate Nedumpura, however, defended his actions, claiming it was his right to record and circulate judicial proceedings in the interest of transparency. Rejecting this argument, the court directed its registry to place the matter before the Chief Justice for consideration on whether further judicial action is warranted.
The matter arose in connection with a batch of petitions filed by companies challenging SARFAESI proceedings initiated by banks. The court is now poised to determine the next course of action regarding the potential contempt charge against Advocate Nedumpura.
Case Title: M/s M. D. Esthappan And Another v Reserve Bank of India and Others & Connected Cases
