Orissa High Court Releases Rules For Live Streaming Of Court Proceedings, To Come Into Effect From August 2

The Orissa High Court on Wednesday released a notification stipulating that it would begin live streaming of proceedings soon and thereby published the High Court of Orissa Live Streaming of Court Proceedings Rules, 2021. The Rules would come into effect from August 2. 

The Rules have been implemented by the Court by virtue of powers conferred under Article 225 of Constitution of India and with the objective of effectuating and broadening the implementation of Open Court concept. 

"Live-streaming means and includes a live television link, webcast, audio-video transmissions via electronic means or other arrangements whereby any person can view the proceedings of the Court as permitted under these rules," the notification reads. 

However, the Court shall not live stream proceedings pertaining to matrimonial matters, including ancillary proceedings arising thereunder, matters involving children and juveniles including matters registered under or involving the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO ACt) and under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Similarly, cases concerning sexual offences, including proceedings instituted under Section 376, Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC), cases concerning gender-based violence against women, cases relating to Official Secrets Act, 1923 or involving national security, cases of Habeas Corpus petitions, in camera proceedings and cases which in the opinion of the Bench may provoke enmity amongst communities likely to result in a breach of law and order, will strictly not be live streamed. 

Further the Court clarified that live streaming of court proceedings shall not be claimed by any person as a matter of right. The High Court shall have copyright over live streamed feed and videos, including the feeds and videos retained in the live streaming platform after live streaming is over, prohibiting any unauthorized copying of the live feed / videos. Unauthorised use/re-use, capture, editing/ re-editing, distribution/redistribution, or creating derivative works or compiling the live streamed feed / videos or using the same for any purpose, in any form will not be permitted, the notification stated. 

However, the Chief Justice retains the power to relax some of the aforementioned restrictions if any hardship is caused to the concerned stakeholders. 

Click Here To Read/Download Rules