Supreme Court Bans Live Streaming for Litigants Appearing in Person
The Supreme Court of India has decided that proceedings in which litigants appear in person to argue their cases will not be live-streamed or recorded. The decision was taken by the Full Court during a meeting on Wednesday, and is aimed at maintaining decorum in the courtroom.
According to the new protocol, self-represented litigants will still have the option to appear virtually. However, if they insist on appearing in person, certain conditions will apply—including a ban on live streaming and recording of their arguments.
The move comes shortly after an incident on July 10, when a litigant appearing before a bench of Justices K.V. Viswanathan and Alok Aradhe shouted at the judges, hurled papers, and used expletives against the Chief Justice of India. The petitioner was removed by security personnel, but the bench decided not to take any punitive action.
While the Supreme Court has been gradually expanding live streaming of its proceedings, this new protocol carves out an exception for cases argued by litigants in person. Court officials stated that the decision was taken to prevent disruptions and ensure the dignity of the judicial process.
The Full Court's resolution underscores the balance between transparency and order. Virtual appearances will continue to be streamed as before, but physical appearances by self-represented litigants will now be excluded from live coverage.
