SC bans posting court clips on social media

Supreme Court banned uploading, sharing, and circulation of video clips from live-streamed court proceedings on social media and digital platforms without prior approval from the Supreme Court or High Court.

The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued the interim order after reports of edited clips with biased commentary flooding social media.

The Court sought responses from the government, High Courts, and social media platforms including YouTube, X, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram within two weeks.

Senior advocate Vikas Singh flagged that advocates were using court clips to boost popularity and attract clients, which violates the Advocates Act barring lawyer advertising.

The bench warned it may consider restricting live-streaming if the misuse continues, stating it was trivialising the judiciary.