If you are stuck in such a situation, here is what to do.

Mr. Rajesh Kumar, a resident of a small town named Anandpur, found himself in a situation many Indians face. A crucial corporate litigation involving his family’s business, “Kumar & Sons Enterprises,” had finally reached the Supreme Court of India after years of legal battles in lower courts. The outcome of this hearing would significantly impact his family’s future. Unable to travel to New Delhi for every hearing, Mr. Kumar was anxious to follow the proceedings closely. He had seen clips of court proceedings on news channels and social media and wondered if it was possible for a common citizen like him to watch the live webcast of a Supreme Court hearing. This question is increasingly common as our judicial system embraces technology to enhance transparency and access to justice.

Advice for Following Court Proceedings

If you wish to follow a case in the Supreme Court through live streaming, it is beneficial to be prepared to understand the complex legal arguments.

• Understand the Basics: Before tuning in, have a basic understanding of your case’s history, the key legal questions involved, and the relief being sought.
• Identify the Bench: Know which judges are on the bench hearing your matter. The cause list, published on the Supreme Court website, provides this information.
• Stay Informed: Keep track of the case status and hearing dates through the official Supreme Court portal.
• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think. A lawyer can help you interpret the complex legal arguments and procedural nuances you will witness during the live stream.

Applicable Sections of Law

The live streaming of court proceedings in India is not governed by a specific section of a statute like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) or the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Instead, it is a result of judicial pronouncements aimed at upholding constitutional principles. The foundation for this was laid by the Supreme Court itself in the landmark case of Swapnil Tripathi v. Supreme Court of India (2018). In this judgment, the Court held that live streaming of court proceedings is an extension of the principle of open justice and falls within the ambit of the right to access justice under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Following this, the Supreme Court’s e-Committee formulated the Model Rules for Live-Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings, which provide a framework for High Courts and the Supreme Court to implement this initiative.

How to Access the Live Streams

Accessing the live streams of the Supreme Court is a straightforward process designed for public accessibility.

• Visit the Official Website: The primary portal for all official information and services is the Supreme Court of India’s official website (main.sci.gov.in).
• Navigate to the Live Streaming Section: On the homepage, look for a link or tab explicitly labelled “Live Streaming” or “Webcast.”
• Select the Courtroom: The live streaming is typically available for specific Benches, most notably the Court of the Chief Justice of India and Constitution Benches hearing matters of significant national importance. You will likely see a list of courtrooms that are currently being live-streamed.
• Watch the Stream: Clicking on the relevant link will redirect you to the streaming platform, which is often managed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) or hosted on an official YouTube channel.

What to Expect from a Live Stream

When you tune into a live stream, you are getting a direct view into the courtroom. You will see the panel of judges on the Bench and the advocates presenting their arguments from the rostrum. The audio will capture the oral arguments, questions from the Bench, and the ensuing legal dialogue. It is important to remember that this is a formal and solemn proceeding. The stream provides a window into the judicial process, showcasing the decorum and rigorous intellectual debate that characterizes hearings at the highest court of the land. Viewers should be prepared for potential technical delays or interruptions, as the technology is still being perfected.

Limitations and Exclusions from Live Streaming

While the goal is transparency, the Supreme Court has recognized the need to protect the privacy and dignity of individuals and the integrity of certain proceedings. Therefore, not all cases are live-streamed. Based on the guidelines in the Swapnil Tripathi case, the following types of cases are generally excluded from live streaming:

• Matrimonial cases and family disputes.
• Cases involving juveniles or proceedings under the Juvenile Justice Act.
• Matters concerning sexual offenses, including rape, and cases of gender-based violence.
• Cases involving national security interests.
• Any other matter where a specific Bench believes that broadcasting may be detrimental to the interests of justice, privacy, or the safety of the parties or witnesses involved.

FAQs people normally have

Many people have questions about this relatively new feature of the Indian judicial system. Here are some common queries:

Are All Supreme Court Hearings Live-Streamed?

No, not all hearings are live-streamed. The initiative began with matters of constitutional importance heard by Constitution Benches. While its scope has expanded, the decision to live-stream a particular case or courtroom’s proceedings rests with the concerned Bench and the administrative discretion of the Chief Justice of India. Routine matters, miscellaneous day hearings, and cases in judges’ chambers are typically not streamed.

Can I Use Recordings of the Live Stream?

The recordings of Supreme Court proceedings are protected by copyright held by the court. The live streams are intended for informational and educational purposes, allowing the public to witness the judicial process. Unauthorized use, reproduction, editing, re-broadcasting, or distribution of the live-stream footage for commercial purposes or to create sensationalized content is strictly prohibited. Such actions can be treated as a serious offense and may lead to proceedings for contempt of court.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India