The Centre told the Supreme Court that video recording and live streaming of judicial proceedings can be undertaken on a trial basis in constitutional matters being heard by the Chief Justice of India’s court.On July 9, the apex court had termed the proposal of live streaming of court proceedings the “need of the hour” and sought suggestions for taking a “holistic” view on the matter.
The bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra was told by attorney general K K Venugopal, whose assistance has been sought by the court in the matter, that a pilot project for live streaming and video recording of judicial proceedings can be undertaken. He then said functioning of the pilot project can be later analysed and made more efficient.
The Apex court has already expressed their view that barring few exceptions like hearings a rape case, the courts are already open for all and allowing live streaming of the proceedings would further establish the settled principle.
Further in what can be addressed as a commendable step a petition has been filed by a law student demanding a direction for setting up live streaming rooms within the apex court premises and granting access to legal interns.
The plea, filed by Swapnil Tripathi, a student of National Law University in Jodhpur, has asked for requisite guidelines to facilitate interns to witness proceedings.