After 2 major judgments, Supreme Court allows live streaming of court proceedings

The apex court stated that live streaming of court proceedings will bring accountability into the judicial system.

The live streaming will not be allowed when there are privacy and security issues of victims. (Image: PTI)

Wednesday belongs to the Supreme Court of India as it has stunned the entire country with some of its historic judgments. After pronouncing verdicts on SC/ ST job promotion and the marathon Aadhaar act, the top court has allowed live streaming of court proceedings. According to a report by ANI, the court said that the live streaming process will start with Supreme Court and rules have to be followed for this. The apex court comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra, A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud stated that live streaming of court proceedings will bring accountability into the judicial system. “People will not have to come to courts and can watch proceedings live from their home,” said the top court. While hearing a bunch of petitions earlier in July this year, Chief Justice Deepak Misra had said, "The concept of access to justice can be stretched through live streaming. Litigants are entitled to know how their cases are dealt with. Litigants will also know how his or her lawyer is presenting the case." Earlier the government had also backed the live webcast of court trials and said it can be extended to other courts depending on the response from the initial phase. The Central government has also proposed setting up of a media hall within the court premises where litigants, law interns, lawyers and other visitors can watch the live feed of the ongoing court proceedings. This will help in reducing the crowd outside courtrooms and surrounding areas. The affidavit also wants special measures to be put in place for differently-abled. However, it is being said that live streaming will not be done in cases pertaining to national security, divorce, matters involving interests of juveniles and others. The live streaming will not be allowed when there are privacy and security issues of victims, witnesses or defendants, rape cases and also in matter that might distress communal harmony, said Attorney General KK Venugopalan.