Constitution

Supreme Court allows Live streaming of Court proceedings

26.09.2018

In a landmark verdict, Supreme Court declared case proceedings of “constitutional importance having an impact on the public at large would be live streamed in a manner that is easily accessible for public viewing. Supreme Court has said that, "Sunlight is the best disinfectant," and live streaming of court proceedings will bring in transparency and serve the public interest. Access to justice can never be complete without the litigant being able to see, hear and understand the course of proceedings first hand. Live-streaming of proceedings is crucial to the dissemination of knowledge about judicial proceedings and granting full access to justice to the litigant.

As per Article 145 (1) of the Constitution of India, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, the Supreme Court may from time to time, with the approval of the President, make rules for regulating generally the practice and procedure of the Court. The modalities for live-streaming of the proceedings of this Court can appropriately be dealt with under the Rules which should be framed in pursuance of Article 145(1) of Constitution.

Further, Apex Court said that, not all cases may be live-streamed. Certain sensitive cases like matrimonial or sexual assault cases would be excluded from the process of live streaming. Live-streaming will be carried out with a minimal delay to allow time for screening sensitive information or any exchange which should not be streamed. The final authority to regulate suspension or prohibition of live-streaming in a particular case must be with the presiding judge of each court. Live-streaming will reduce the congestion which is currently plaguing courtrooms. Further, it will reduce the need for litigants to travel to the courts to observe the proceedings of their cases. Live-streaming would enhance accountability of judicial institutions. The copyright over all the material recorded and broadcast in this Court shall vest with Supreme Court only and the recordings and broadcast may not be used by anyone for commercial purposes. Live streaming may be extended to other Courts depending on its success.

Tags : Proceedings Live-streaming Public interest

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