Supreme Court Directs: No More Black-and-White Photographs in Petitions
The Supreme Court of India has issued a significant procedural directive: petitions filed with black-and-white photographs will no longer be cleared by the Registry for listing. Only colour photographs, supported by clear dimensions and a conceptual plan, will now be accepted.
This development marks an important shift in the quality and standards expected in court filings. Below is a comprehensive analysis of what the order means, why it matters, and how advocates should prepare going forward.
What the Supreme Court Has Ordered
1. Mandatory Colour Photographs
Paper books and petitions that include black-and-white images will not be processed for listing. Only colour photographs of proper quality will be accepted.
2. Dimensions & Conceptual Plan Required
Every colour photograph must include:
- Distance measurements
- A clearly drawn conceptual plan or layout
This helps the Court understand the context of the image more accurately.
3. Hard Copies Needed Even for E-Filings
If photographs are submitted electronically, advocates must also ensure:
- Hard copies of the same colour photographs are physically filed.
4. Petitions Will Be Marked as “Defective” Until Compliance
If a petition includes black-and-white images, it will remain under defect status. The matter will not progress until proper colour photographs are submitted.
5. Continuation of Earlier Directions
The Supreme Court has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the poor quality of images submitted in petitions. This new directive reinforces the requirement for clear, colour, high-quality photographic evidence.
Why the Supreme Court Took This Step
✔ To Avoid Misleading Images
Black-and-white or low-quality photocopies often distort the facts. The Court wants to ensure that evidence presented in photographs is accurate and reliable.
✔ For Better Clarity
Issues such as encroachment, boundary disputes, property structures, and site conditions require visual clarity. Poor-quality images hinder accurate assessment.
✔ To Maintain Professional Standards
The Court is pushing for uniformity and higher professional standards in legal documentation.
Impact on Advocates, AoRs, and Litigants
1. Additional Preparation Required
Lawyers must now ensure that:
- Photographs are taken clearly and in colour
- Dimensions are measured and included
- A conceptual plan accompanies each set of images
2. Slight Increase in Filing Costs
Colour printing and preparation of conceptual diagrams may add to litigation costs.
3. Possibility of Delays
If colour photos are not filed correctly, petitions may be delayed due to defects not being cleared.
4. Need for Standardised Internal Processes
Law firms must update their filing procedures and educate teams and clients about the new rule.
Recommended Action Steps for Your Law Firm (PP & Associates)
- Audit ongoing matters to check if any contain black-and-white photographs.
- Create a “Photo Evidence Checklist” to ensure all future filings are compliant.
- Train junior lawyers and clerks on the updated requirements.
- Inform clients early about the need for coloured, high-quality images.
- Consider using professional photographers or designers for measurements, layouts, and conceptual diagrams.
Legal Significance
This directive reflects the Supreme Court’s growing emphasis on:
- Transparency
- Evidentiary accuracy
- Professional presentation of pleadings
It signals a move toward more structured and visually clear legal documentation across the judiciary.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s instruction to stop accepting black-and-white photographs elevates the standard of evidence being presented in litigation. For advocates and law firms, adapting promptly to this rule helps ensure smoother filings, fewer defects, and better clarity in the presentation of facts.
