ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 27th May. Click Here for more information.
Source: The post is based on the article “Live streaming of SC proceedings: the rationale and the concerns” published in Indian Express on 21st September 2022.
What is the News?
The Supreme Court has decided to live stream its proceedings in crucial Constitution Bench cases that will be heard from September 27, 2022.
Background
In 2018, in the ‘Swapnil Tripathi’ judgment, the Supreme Court ruled that a live telecast of court proceedings was part of the right to access justice under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Following that, the Supreme Court’s e-Committee, led by Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, issued model guidelines to govern the live-streaming of court proceedings in 2021.
Following the SC’s decision, Gujarat High Court began live-streaming its proceedings in July 2021.
Currently, the Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, and Patna High Courts live stream their proceedings.
What are the rules in other countries on the live streaming of court proceedings?
United States of America: While the US Supreme Court has rejected pleas for the broadcast of its proceedings, it has since 1955 allowed audio recording and transcripts of oral arguments.
Australia: Live or delayed broadcasting is allowed but the practices and norms differ across courts.
Canada: Proceedings are broadcast live on the Cable Parliamentary Affairs Channel accompanied by explanations of each case and the overall processes and powers of the court.
United Kingdom: Proceedings are broadcast live with a one-minute delay on the court’s website, but coverage can be withdrawn in sensitive appeals.
