Live stream of SC proceedings

The Supreme Court decided to Live stream its proceedings in crucial Constitution Bench cases that will be heard from September 27.

The decision comes nearly four years after a plea was made in the interest of transparency.

On August 26,on the day of the former Chief Justice’s retirement, the Supreme Court streamed its proceedings live.
The first steps toward the decision were taken in 2018 when a three-Judge Bench agreed to hear public interest litigation (PIL) seeking live streaming of Judicial proceedings.
In March 2018, the court issued notice to the then Attorney General of India K K Venugopal, seeking his views on the issue.
After receiving the recommendation, the Supreme Court approved a set of guidelines, which included allowing transcripts and archiving the proceedings.

A-G had recommended introducing live streaming as a pilot project in Court No.1, which is the CJI’s court, and only in Constitution Bench cases.
However, the A-G suggested that the court must retain the power to withhold broadcasting and also not permit it in cases involving:
1. Matrimonial matters.
2. Matters involving the interests of juveniles or the protection and safety of the private life of the young offenders.
3. Matters of National security.
4. To ensure that victims, witnesses or defendants can depose truthfully and without any fear.
  - Special protection must be given to vulnerable or intimidated witnesses.
  - It may provide for face distortion of the witness if she/he consents to the broadcast anonymously,
5. To protect confidential or sensitive information, including all matters relating to sexual assault and rape.
6. Matters where publicity would be contrary to the administration of justice.
7. Cases which may provoke sentiments and arouse passion and provoke enmity among communities.

Following the SC’s decision,Gujarat High Court began to live streaming its proceedings in July 2021.
Currently, the Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, and Patna High Courts live to stream their proceedings.
Allahabad High Court is learnt to be considering doing the same.

Irresponsible use of the content
- Video clips of proceedings from Indian courts are already on YouTube and other social media platforms with sensational titles and little context.
- There are fears that irresponsible use of content could spread disinformation among the public.

Impact on the behaviours of Justices
- A 2018 study from Brazil concluded that judges behave like politicians when given free TV time, increasing their personal exposure.

Pic Courtesy: Indian Express

Content Source: Indian Express