"Right Of Access To Justice Includes Right To Access Live Court Proceedings"; e-Committee Of SC Releases Draft Rules On Live Streaming; Invites Inputs And Suggestions From Stakeholders

Chairperson Dr. Justice DY Chandrachud has written to the Chief Justices of all High Courts, sharing the Draft Rules, with the request to share inputs and suggests for the better implementation of live-streaming of court proceedings across India.

The Press Release states that the e-Committee "envisages a judicial system which is more accessible, efficient and equitable for every individual who engages with the justice delivery system" and that the "right to access to justice, guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution encompasses the right to access live court proceedings".

Therefore, in order to foster greater transparency, inclusivity and access to justice, the project of live streaming of court proceedings has been undertaken on priority, so that access to proceedings, including on matters of public interest to citizens, journalists, civil society, academicians, and law students, on a real time basis is enable.

It is further noted in the Press Release that a sub-committee consisting of Judge of Bombay, Delhi, Madras, and Karnataka High Courts was constituted to frame the rules. The sub-committee, after taking into account the principles enunciated in Swapnil Tripathi v. Supreme Court of India, including concerns of privacy and confidentiality of litigants and witnesses, matters relating to business confidentiality, prohibition or restriction of access to proceedings or trials stipulated by Central or State legislation and in some cases to preserve the larger public interest owing to sensitivity of the case, has provided a balanced regulatory framework for live streaming and recording of court proceedings.