SC prohibits unauthorised recording, monetisation of court videos on social media, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court has prohibited the unauthorized extraction, editing, dissemination, and monetization of audio and video recordings from livestreamed court proceedings.
• The interim order was issued by a Bench including CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.
• The directive aims to prevent the "trivialising" of justice administration and "commercial exploitation" of judicial proceedings.
• Prior permission from the Secretary General of the Supreme Court or the Registrar General of the jurisdictional High Courts is now mandatory.
• The prohibition explicitly excludes news reporting of court proceedings, clarifying it is not a "gag order."

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Detailed Insights:

• The order was passed while addressing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by journalist Harshita Grover.
• The PIL contended that isolated excerpts of judicial proceedings were being circulated out of context for sensationalism and commercial gain.
• Livestreaming was introduced to advance transparency and public access to the justice system.
• The court emphasized that the absence of adequate safeguards led to the misuse of these recordings.
• The directive reinforces the principles outlined in the Supreme Court's 2022 Model Rules for Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings.
• These Model Rules already prohibit unauthorized recording, sharing, or dissemination of livestreamed court proceedings.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Public Interest Litigation (PIL): A legal action initiated in a court of law for the enforcement of public interest or general welfare.
• Livestreaming of Court Proceedings: The real-time broadcast of court hearings, often via digital platforms, to enhance transparency and public access.
• Model Rules for Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings, 2022: Guidelines issued by the Supreme Court to regulate the live broadcast and recording of judicial proceedings.
• Judicial Proceedings: The formal steps and actions taken in a court of law, including hearings, arguments, and pronouncements.