News Outlets Permitted to Report Legal Developments, Prohibited from Using Court Audio/Video Clips
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has issued a clarification on the reporting of court proceedings by recognized news outlets. The three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana, addressed the ongoing confusion regarding the use of audio and video clips in court reporting.
The court emphasized that while news outlets are allowed to report legal developments and judicial pronouncements, the use of audio or video clips from the court proceedings remains strictly prohibited. This measure aims to balance the transparency of legal proceedings with the integrity and decorum of the courts.
The court had previously directed the Union of India to submit proposals, in consultation with Nodal Ministries, to implement the prayers made in the petitions related to live streaming and recording of court proceedings. Additionally, High Courts have been instructed to file status reports on the adoption of the Model Rules for Live Streaming.
This clarification comes as part of a broader effort to ensure that court proceedings are accessible to the public while maintaining the sanctity and seriousness of the judicial process. The court has also allowed an application for intervention, enabling applicants to assist as intervenors in the ongoing matters.
The court has granted the respondents four weeks to file a counter affidavit, with the matter set to be listed again on September 18, 2026.
Bottom Line:
Clarification issued regarding reporting of court proceedings by recognised news outlets, allowing them to report legal developments but prohibiting the use of audio or video clips of the court proceedings.
Statutory provision(s): Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings, Model Rules for Live Streaming
Harshita Grover v. Union of India, (SC) : Law Finder Doc id # 2953914
