SC moots protocol for accessing court livestream archives to prevent misuse
The Supreme Court announced its intention to establish a protocol for online users to access livestreamed judicial proceedings solely through court archives. This move aims to prevent the "misuse" or "commercial exploitation" of court content. The decision follows a July 24 interim order that barred the circulation of livestreamed proceedings on social media, citing concerns about judges, advocates, and litigants being vulnerable to trolling and reputational harm. Activists argued that the ban reversed the 'principle of open justice' and advocated for defining terms of reuse rather than outright restriction. The CJI invited suggestions for framing the protocol.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court plans to create a protocol for accessing livestreamed court proceedings exclusively through official archives.
- The initiative aims to prevent the misuse and commercial exploitation of judicial content.
- A previous interim order on July 24 had banned circulation on social media due to concerns about trolling and reputational harm.
- Activists argued this ban undermined the 'principle of open justice' and suggested defining terms of reuse instead.
- The Chief Justice of India has invited suggestions for developing the protocol.
Exam Facts
- Court: Supreme Court.
- Chief Justice of India: Surya Kant.
- Activists: Anjali Bhardwaj and Amrita Johri.
- Date of interim order: July 24.
- Principle: 'Principle of open justice'.
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