Live-streaming court proceedings crucial for dissemination of information: CJI

Live-streaming court proceedings crucial for dissemination of information: CJI

Subject: Governance

Context: Formalising live-streaming of court proceedings is crucial for dissemination of information. The spread of information is sacrosanct to free speech, Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana said.

Concept:

Background

• Recently, the Supreme Court has released the Draft Model Rules for Live-Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings.
• The Rules are part of the National Policy and Action Plan for implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the judiciary.
• The Supreme Court inSwapnilTripathi v Supreme Court of India (2018) had ruled in favour of opening up the apex court through live-streaming.
• It held that the live streaming proceedings are part of the right to access justice under Article 21

Key features of the Draft Rules

• All proceedings in high courts can be telecast except for cases relating to matrimonial disputes, gender-based violence, those involving minors.
• The final decision to allow the Live-streaming of the Proceedings or any portion thereof will be of the Bench.
• Court proceedings can be archived for six months.
• The rules also prohibit recording or sharing the telecast on media platforms, including social media and messaging platforms, unless authorised by the court.

Benefits

• Justice delivery system will become affordable, transparent, speedy and accountable by limiting the paper filings.
• It can be time saving

Concerns:

• Lack of technical manpower in courts and awareness
• Cyber security threat.
• Issues of privacy may arise.
• Infrastructure, especially the internet connectivity is also a big challenge