The Supreme Court clarified that its interim directions regulating the use of audio and video recordings of court proceedings do not prevent recognised news organisations from reporting court hearings. The clarification was issued after confusion arose over the scope of the Court’s earlier order, which had restricted the unauthorised use of courtroom recordings.
The Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana observed that its order dated July 31 should not be interpreted as imposing a blanket restriction on media coverage of judicial proceedings.
The Court stated that recognised news organisations are free to continue reporting court proceedings and keep the public informed about legal developments, judicial pronouncements and important orders. However, such reporting cannot include the use, circulation or publication of audio or video clips recorded during court proceedings.
The Bench reiterated that while the freedom of recognised media outlets to report judicial proceedings remains unaffected, they must strictly comply with the restrictions imposed under the earlier interim directions concerning audio and video recordings.
The clarification stems from the Supreme Court’s interim order dated July 24, which prohibited the extraction, dissemination, monetisation, uploading, reposting, transmission, modification, storage and hosting of audio or video recordings of court proceedings on social media platforms, digital platforms or any other medium without prior authorisation.
The Bench had directed that any person seeking to use such recordings must obtain prior permission from the Secretary General of the Supreme Court or the Registrar General of the concerned High Court, as applicable.
Even while issuing the interim directions, the apex court had made it clear that the restrictions were limited to the use of courtroom recordings and would not interfere with legitimate reporting of judicial proceedings by recognised news organisations.
The proceedings arise from a pending writ petition concerning the regulation of live-streamed court proceedings and the unauthorised circulation of courtroom recordings. During the earlier hearing, the Supreme Court had directed the Union government to place before it a comprehensive proposal, prepared in consultation with the concerned nodal ministries, for implementing the reliefs sought in the petition.
The Court had also instructed all High Courts to submit status reports regarding the adoption and implementation of the Model Rules for Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings. The High Courts were further asked to indicate the feasibility of ensuring continuous and uninterrupted live streaming of court proceedings while maintaining judicial discipline, transparency and compliance with procedural safeguards.
The matter has been listed for further hearing before the Supreme Court on September 18.
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