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(The Gist of PIB) E-Committee invites feedback on Draft Model Rules for Live-Streaming and Recording of the Court Proceeding

(THE GIST OF PIB) E-Committee invites feedback on Draft Model Rules for Live-Streaming and Recording of the Court Proceeding

Draft rules is for live-streaming and recording of court proceedings of the high courts, trial courts and tribunals.
Earlier, Supreme Court (SC) in Swapnil Tripathi v Supreme Court of India (2018) had recommended that proceedings be broadcast live.
The Rules intend to balance between access to information and concerns of privacy and confidentiality.

Key Provisions:

Cases relating to matrimony, sexual offences, gender violence, etc. will not be live-streamed.
There shall be a delay of ten minutes in streaming.
Unauthorised usage of the live stream is punishable under the Indian Copyright Act, Information Technology Act, the law of contempt.

Significance of live streaming:

Foster public confidence and brings transparency and accountability in the judicial system.
Overcome geographical, logistical, or infrastructural issues in delivery of Justice.
Enhance the rule of law and promote better understanding of legal governance as part of the functioning of democracy.
It will make lawyers accountable to their clients.
e-Committee of SC is working under the National Policy and Action Plan for implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Indian Judiciary.

Concerns with live streaming:

Maintaining decorum might be challenging.
Threat to independence and impartiality of courts if judgements are not popular even though they are pragmatic.
Creation of required infrastructure and ensure availability of uninterrupted power supply, broadband connection etc.
Issues of privacy and national security may arise.