Chief Justice of India N V Ramana is panning a landmark solution to bring transperancy in the judicial system by stating - he is “actively considering the proposal to telecast live the proceedings of the Supreme Court”, but “before initiating concrete steps in this regard”, he plans “to seek general consensus among… colleagues in the court”.

Speaking at the launch of a mobile application that would enable reporters to access virtual court proceedings, the CJI pointed out that transparency is a time-honored principle when it comes to the country’s judicial process and it’s important for the public to be able to access court proceedings since the ruling of the court has a bearing on the lives of people and the media’s role assumes importance in the process of disseminating information.

In a September 2018 judgment, a three-judge bench headed by then CJI Dipak Misra had given its nod to live stream court proceedings, saying this will bring more accountability and enhance the rule of law.

E-committee, headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has suggested that “The judges will draw inspiration from the practise prevalent in other countries, if there is any, and also study the 2018 verdict in the Swapnil Tripathi case as well as the suggestions that were furnished by the Attorney General in that matter,” a senior court officer, familiar with the development.

Justice Chandrachud revealed that at present the Supreme Court is focusing on enhancing the video conferencing facility. “The idea is to have one video conferencing facility for all High Courts and district courts and a separate facility for Supreme Court. Bids have been invited for managing the entire videoconferencing facility,” Justice Chandrachud said.

The rules for conducting such hearing have been finalised by a committee of High Court judges. District courts too would be able to virtually record evidence during trial as 11 out of 25 High Courts have adopted these rules as per area-specific requirements and changes. The remaining High Courts have the option to adopt Rules framed by the e-committee, the bench said.

Saying “sunlight is the best disinfectant”, it ordered that the project “must be implemented in a progressive, structured and phased manner, with certain safeguards to ensure that the purpose of live-streaming of proceedings is achieved holistically and that it does not interfere with the administration of justice or the dignity and majesty of the court hearing the matter and/or impinge upon any rights of the litigants or witnesses”.

Following the pandemic, the judicial system has had to adapt quickly, the CJI said, talking about how cases began to be heard through video conferencing.

This also created problems for the media to access the courts and some provision was made to allow reporters to watch proceedings at specific locations. However, this also faced certain difficulties, the CJI said, adding he received several requests to make changes to the system.

The CJI said he then took it up with the SC e-Committee and other court officials who then came up with the new app which will allow reporters to watch the proceedings on their mobile phones.

He also announced the introduction of a new feature on the SC’s official website and mobile application. The feature, ‘Indicative Notes’, is aimed at providing concise summaries of landmark judgments in an easy-to-understand format, the CJI said, adding, “this will serve as a useful resource for media persons and the general public who wish to be better informed about the rulings of the Court”.  

Chief Justice of India N V Ramana is panning a landmark solution to bring transperancy in the judicial system by stating - he is “actively considering the proposal to telecast live the proceedings of the Supreme Court”, but “before initiating concrete steps in this regard”, he plans “to seek general consensus among… colleagues in the court”.

Speaking at the launch of a mobile application that would enable reporters to access virtual court proceedings, the CJI pointed out that transparency is a time-honored principle when it comes to the country’s judicial process and it’s important for the public to be able to access court proceedings since the ruling of the court has a bearing on the lives of people and the media’s role assumes importance in the process of disseminating information.

In a September 2018 judgment, a three-judge bench headed by then CJI Dipak Misra had given its nod to live stream court proceedings, saying this will bring more accountability and enhance the rule of law.

E-committee, headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has suggested that “The judges will draw inspiration from the practise prevalent in other countries, if there is any, and also study the 2018 verdict in the Swapnil Tripathi case as well as the suggestions that were furnished by the Attorney General in that matter,” a senior court officer, familiar with the development.

Justice Chandrachud revealed that at present the Supreme Court is focusing on enhancing the video conferencing facility. “The idea is to have one video conferencing facility for all High Courts and district courts and a separate facility for Supreme Court. Bids have been invited for managing the entire videoconferencing facility,” Justice Chandrachud said.

The rules for conducting such hearing have been finalised by a committee of High Court judges. District courts too would be able to virtually record evidence during trial as 11 out of 25 High Courts have adopted these rules as per area-specific requirements and changes. The remaining High Courts have the option to adopt Rules framed by the e-committee, the bench said.

Saying “sunlight is the best disinfectant”, it ordered that the project “must be implemented in a progressive, structured and phased manner, with certain safeguards to ensure that the purpose of live-streaming of proceedings is achieved holistically and that it does not interfere with the administration of justice or the dignity and majesty of the court hearing the matter and/or impinge upon any rights of the litigants or witnesses”.

Following the pandemic, the judicial system has had to adapt quickly, the CJI said, talking about how cases began to be heard through video conferencing.

This also created problems for the media to access the courts and some provision was made to allow reporters to watch proceedings at specific locations. However, this also faced certain difficulties, the CJI said, adding he received several requests to make changes to the system.

The CJI said he then took it up with the SC e-Committee and other court officials who then came up with the new app which will allow reporters to watch the proceedings on their mobile phones.

He also announced the introduction of a new feature on the SC’s official website and mobile application. The feature, ‘Indicative Notes’, is aimed at providing concise summaries of landmark judgments in an easy-to-understand format, the CJI said, adding, “this will serve as a useful resource for media persons and the general public who wish to be better informed about the rulings of the Court”.