Media May Report Court Proceedings But Cannot Use Courtroom Videos, Says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court clarified its recent interim order on the use of courtroom audio and video recordings. It said recognised news organisations may continue reporting judicial proceedings. It reiterated that media outlets cannot use audio or video clips of court proceedings in their coverage.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohan noted confusion over paragraph 11 of its July 24 interim order.

The petition seeks a uniform framework for live streaming and recording court proceedings across the country.

The Bench clarified its earlier directions. It said recognised news organisations may continue reporting court proceedings and informing the public about key legal developments and judicial decisions.

The Bench, however, emphasised that news organisations must not use courtroom audio or video recordings while reporting. It added that all recognised media outlets remain bound by the restrictions outlined in paragraph 10 of the July 24 order.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court clarified paragraph 11 of its earlier order and removed any ambiguity surrounding media reporting.

The Bench also granted respondents four weeks to file their counter affidavits and scheduled the next hearing for September 18.

On July 24, the Supreme Court barred the extraction, sharing, uploading, storage, transmission, modification, monetisation, and circulation of courtroom audio and video recordings on social media or digital platforms. They must obtain prior permission from the Secretary General of the Supreme Court or the respective High Court Registrar General.

The court had also issued notices to all High Courts, major social media intermediaries, and technology platforms. It directed the Union government to submit a proposal for implementing a uniform framework and asked High Courts to provide status reports on live streaming and recording rules.

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