SC bans posting court clips on social media without approval
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Supreme Court has issued an interim order banning the uploading, sharing, and circulation of video clips from live-streamed court proceedings on social media and digital platforms without prior permission. This decision comes after concerns that edited clips with biased commentary were flooding social media, potentially maligning the judiciary's image.
Background
Live streaming of court proceedings began during the Covid-19 lockdown. The court noted misuse of these clips, including by lawyers to attract clients, and considered suspending live streaming if regulation fails.
Key facts
Supreme Court barred posting, transmitting, storing, hosting, or circulating excerpts from live-streamed judicial proceedings on social media or digital platforms without prior permission.
Permission must be obtained from the SC Secretary General or Registrars General of jurisdictional High Courts.
The order was passed by a bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi, and V Mohana.
Senior advocate Vikas Singh flagged that edited clips with mischievous narratives were projecting a negative image of the judiciary.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted that AI has increased the spread of motivated narratives on social media.
SC sought responses from the government, High Courts, and social media platforms (YouTube, X, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram) within two weeks.
The court also flagged lawyers misusing court clips to boost popularity and attract clients, which may violate the Advocates Act bar on advertising.
SC considered suspending live streaming if regulation fails, stating it does not want court proceedings to become a 24x7 entertainment channel.
The PIL was filed by journalist Harshita Grover through senior advocate Vikas Singh.
Prelims pointers
- Supreme Court of India
- Live streaming of court proceedings
- Advocates Act, 1961
- Bar Council of India
- Social media platforms: YouTube, X, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram
- CJI Surya Kant
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta
- Senior advocate Vikas Singh
- PIL by Harshita Grover
Mains angles
- GS2: Judiciary - Independence, transparency, and accountability; live streaming of court proceedings.
- GS2: Fundamental Rights - Right to freedom of speech and expression vs. reasonable restrictions.
- GS3: Information Technology - Regulation of social media and AI-generated content.
- GS2: Polity - Role of Bar Council in regulating lawyer conduct and advertising.