LIVE STREAMING OF SUPREME COURT PROCEEDINGS
Editorial . . . . . . .
Apex court of India starts live streaming some cases from today. In the initial stages, the Supreme Court will begin by streaming proceedings before its constitution benches. Live streaming of Supreme Court hearings is a step in the right direction toward increased openness and access to the legal system. It will assist in reducing travel expenses for plaintiffs, and the additional strain on their shoulders, and is also anticipated to bring discipline and enhance how judges and attorneys handle the procedures. There have been cases where lawyers have used coarse language while debating. Live streaming allows for the regulation of such use. It will undoubtedly improve the public’s ongoing involvement with the Constitution and laws in addition to raising legal knowledge. Above all, increased legal literacy can boost the public’s confidence in the justice system and the judicial process. It is possible only due to only computers and information technology. Technology use has greatly reduced paperwork and saved time and resources. People have turned to online alternatives for their numerous purposes at home during the crisis brought on by the corona sickness. Many governments and business workers conduct their business from home due to the limitations on outdoor movement. We cannot allow ourselves to grow stagnant in life by becoming complacent. This broadcast of judicial proceedings has made it possible for constructive systemic corrections. It was decided that the right to access justice under Article 21 (Protection of Life and Personal Liberty) of the Constitution includes the live streaming of court hearings. A step toward increased transparency and public access to the justice system is the broadcasting of court hearings. People have the right to information, and technology makes it possible for the general public to observe issues that are important to the constitution and the country. Alternatively, video recording of the proceedings at the top court should be permitted if a live stream is not possible. Contracts with broadcasters should be non-commercial in nature. The agreement shouldn’t be profitable for anyone. A set of rules must be established to make sure that the video names and descriptions only transmit accurate information. Unauthorized video reproduction and live streaming must be strictly punished or sanctioned. At the same time, technical issues which may affect live streaming must be addressed with advanced available technology and well-qualified and trained staff should be involved in the process of live streaming as there are chances of personal information being leaked if staff is not careful. In sensitive and controversial issues, coverage may be withdrawn is a welcome move.
Overall, it is a new beginning in the history of the judiciary justice system and we hope in the coming days our Jammu and Kashmir government will also follow the footsteps of the apex court and move forward to frame a comprehensive policy in this regard.
