CJAR Requests CJI NV Ramana To Live Stream Pegasus Case Hearing Before The Supreme Court

Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms (CJAR) has written to the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana requesting him to live stream the hearing in the Pegasus snoop gate matter before the Apex court.

The letter refers to the "deep concern regarding the recent revelations" that the Pegasus software was used to hack into the phones of Indian citizens, "apparently at the behest of the Indian government". Importantly, the letter further states thus:

"Such large-scale intrusive surveillance into the phones belonging to constitutional authorities, political leaders, journalists, and activists, apart from being a violation of people's fundamental right to privacy.is a frontal attack on our democracy."

Further, it states that since the Supreme Court is seized of the matter and is hearing multiple petitions seeking a probe into the issue, and that its outcome will have wide ramifications for our republic, the letter requests the CJI to ensure live-streaming of the hearings of the case.

"Investigations by media reveal that phone numbers belonging to a judge of the Supreme Court, registrars of the apex court and the woman staffer (and her family members) who had accused a former CJL of sexual harassment were potentially hacked. These revelations point to a grave threat to the independence of the judiciary," the letter further adds.

Importantly, the letter also emphasizes that it is high time for demystifying the justice delivery system in the country and furthering access through open courts.

"Access to Justice will become a true reality when litigants and interested parties get to witness, understand and comprehend justice first-hand.. It is only on the back of informed citizenry that a representative democracy can survive and evolve", the letter submits.

Therefore, the letter earnestly requests the CJI to initiate live-streaming of proceedings of the Supreme Courtin matters of public importance, starting with the Pegasus case.