Supreme Court Bars Live Stream for Self-Representing Litigants
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Supreme Court of India has issued a new policy that restricts live streaming of hearings for litigants appearing without legal counsel (party-in-person). This move aims to manage the court's resources and ensure orderly proceedings, but raises concerns about transparency and access to justice.
Background
The Supreme Court had earlier allowed live streaming of its proceedings to enhance transparency. However, the new policy carves out an exception for self-representing litigants, directing them to participate via virtual hearings instead.
Key facts
Litigants appearing as party-in-person (without legal counsel) will generally be encouraged to participate through virtual hearings.
The policy aims to manage court resources and ensure orderly proceedings.
Live streaming of Supreme Court hearings was introduced to enhance transparency and public access.
The new policy restricts live streaming for self-representing litigants.
Virtual hearings will be the default mode for such litigants.
Prelims pointers
- Party-in-person: litigant representing themselves without legal counsel.
- Supreme Court of India: highest judicial body.
- Live streaming policy: part of e-courts project.
- Virtual hearings: used during COVID-19 and continued.
Mains angles
- Discuss the balance between transparency and judicial efficiency in the context of live streaming.
- Critically examine the impact of the new policy on access to justice for self-representing litigants.
- Analyze the role of technology in the Indian judiciary and its implications for fundamental rights.