Politics · India Bureau
Supreme Court directs government to penalise misuse of live court videos
The Supreme Court has instructed the Centre to incorporate punitive measures in its policy framework to tackle unauthorised use of live-streamed court proceedings. The directive comes as the court seeks comprehensive safeguards against commercial exploitation and illegal dissemination of judicial proceedings.
LSN India ·
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday directed the government to embed enforcement mechanisms into its proposed guidelines for managing live-streamed court content. The bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, acknowledged representations from various high courts and stakeholders regarding potential violations of the Supreme Court's interim restrictions on unauthorised extraction, dissemination and commercial use of judicial proceedings.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had received suggestions from multiple sources and was preparing comprehensive guidelines. Mehta indicated the ministry would review all submissions and provide its response within days, requesting the plea be listed for further hearing after the Diwali vacation period.
The bench expressed concern over existing violations of its previous orders. Mehta urged the court to consider issuing directions for the removal of material already uploaded in breach of the restrictions, highlighting the need for retroactive action alongside prospective measures. The Supreme Court's move reflects growing judicial concern over the protection of sensitive courtroom content in the digital age and the need for a robust legal framework to address emerging misuse patterns.