The Delhi High Court has recently announced the commencement of live streaming of proceedings in the court presided over by its Chief Justice from October 11. This move aims to enhance access to justice for the public.
In a communication issued by the High Court, it has been stated that the live streaming link will be accessible on its official website. Initially, live streaming will be implemented on a case-by-case basis.
The communication reads, “‘In pursuit of greater access to justice, the High Court of Delhi is going to start the live streaming of court proceedings on 11 October, 2023, at 10:30 am in Court No. 1 (comprising Hon’ble Mr. Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, the Chief Justice and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjeev Narula) in an identified matter.”
Furthermore, it emphasizes, “For now, the live streaming of court proceedings will be conducted on a case-to-case basis, as per the directions of the Hon’ble Court.” Court No. 1 of the High Court generally handles public interest litigations.
Additionally, the live streaming of court proceedings will also soon be introduced in Court No. 39 of the High Court, where another division bench conducts its proceedings, as mentioned in the communication.
The communication makes it clear that the live-streamed content is for informational purposes only and will not constitute the official record of the court proceedings. It also specifies that no individual or entity, including print and electronic media, and social media platforms, except those authorized, may record, share, and/or disseminate the content.
In January, the High Court had released the rules governing live streaming and recording of proceedings. The ‘Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings Rules of the High Court of Delhi, 2022’, framed by the High Court with the prior approval of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, became effective on January 13 when they were published in the Gazette.
According to these rules, live streaming refers to a live television link, webcast, audio-video transmissions via electronic means, or other arrangements through which any person can view the proceedings as allowed under these rules. The rules will be applicable to the Delhi High Court and to the courts and tribunals under its supervisory jurisdiction.
The rules define recording as audio and video data of proceedings stored in electronic format, regardless of whether it is live-streamed or not. However, several categories of cases, including matrimonial matters, child adoption and child custody cases, cases related to sexual offenses and gender-based violence against women, and cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO), the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, are excluded from live streaming, as per the rules.