CJI flags malicious misuse of court livestream clips, calls for responsible reporting

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has expressed deep concern over the misuse of live-streamed court proceedings on social media, stating that his oral remarks have been misquoted and distorted with “malicious intent”. In an interview with DD News, the CJI said that some words and sentences from judges were being taken out of context, without explaining the background or atmosphere in which they were spoken.

The CJI’s comments come in the wake of a controversy surrounding his reported reference to “cockroaches” during a hearing on May 15, 2026, concerning holders of fake law degrees. The remark sparked public outrage and led to the creation of an online outfit named “Cockroach Janta Party”, which later spearheaded student protests against examination leaks. The next day, the CJI issued a clarification, stating that sections of the media had misquoted him and that he had the “greatest concern and respect” for the country’s youth.

“My comment was misused… What was not said is presented as though it was said. This is extremely unfortunate. Particularly, it is a major malicious attempt to mislead the youth of the country,” the CJI said in the interview. He urged the media to exercise responsibility while reporting on judicial proceedings to help maintain harmony in society. “You are in print media or any form of media, or you are simply a citizen. Whoever you are, all of us have responsibilities. All of us should make tireless efforts to maintain harmony in society,” he added.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s interim order of July 24, which barred the unauthorised dissemination, reposting, uploading, and monetisation of audio and video recordings of judicial proceedings on social media and other digital platforms, the CJI said transparency in judicial proceedings was necessary but should not result in their commercial exploitation. “We are committed to bringing transparency into the judiciary. There should be transparency. As a further step in this direction, we started live streaming in the Supreme Court. But live-streaming should not be misused. Particularly, it should not be misused commercially. People misuse small clips for their personal gain, for commercial gain. That should stop,” he said.

The CJI expressed particular concern over short clips being circulated on social media without the context in which a judge’s remarks were made. “Small clips and certain words of judges have been taken out without explaining the background.. in what atmosphere, in what context those words were used…. without even using the complete sentences, they have been misused. Such instances have come before us,” he said.

The top court had earlier indicated that it would frame a protocol requiring users seeking to post or circulate live-streamed judicial proceedings from the Supreme Court and High Courts to access the audio-visual content only through the courts’ archives. The CJI reiterated in open court that live-streamed proceedings could not be subjected to “misuse” or “commercial exploitation”.

However, activists have sought modification of the court’s July 24 interim order, arguing that open access to court proceedings promotes transparency, keeps the judicial process accountable to the public, and acts as a safeguard against arbitrariness. The debate highlights the delicate balance between the public’s right to know and the need to prevent distortion of judicial proceedings for selfish or commercial motives.