New guidelines for journalists covering the Kerala Assembly: Filming, reporting, privileges and more

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Legislative Assembly Secretariat has issued its first set of general guidelines for journalists covering Assembly news, codifying restrictions that were previously contained in multiple circulars.

While rules already existed for publishing Assembly proceedings, no comprehensive guidelines for the media had been prepared until now.

Under the new rules, filming of protests or clashes within the Assembly complex, except inside the Assembly hall, is strictly prohibited. Recording scenes on mobile phones is also banned inside the complex. Any audio-visual filming unrelated to Assembly proceedings will require prior permission from the Speaker.

The guidelines state that reporting House or committee discussions in bad faith, or deliberately misinterpreting members’ speeches, will be treated as a breach of the House’s privilege.

Media outlets publishing or broadcasting portions of proceedings omitted under the Speaker’s instructions will face action. When recording legislative proceedings, the date and time must be displayed, the rules say.