Following the viral circulation of two controversial videos of Karnataka High Court judge Justice V Srishananda, the Advocates’ Association of Bengaluru has requested a suspension of live-streaming court proceedings. They urged Chief Justice NV Anjaria to take immediate action to protect the court’s image, advocating for a halt until there is clarity on what can be expressed in open court.
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BENGALURU: The viral circulation of two controversial videos featuring Karnataka High Court judge Justice V Srishananda, the Advocates’ Association of Bengaluru has formally requested a suspension of live-streaming court proceedings. The request was made in a letter addressed to Chief Justice NV Anjaria, seeking immediate action to prevent further potential damage to the court’s image and integrity.
The two clips, which spread rapidly on social media platforms, captured Justice Srishananda making remarks that have sparked public debate and concern. In response, the Advocates’ Association highlighted the need for a temporary halt to live-streaming, emphasizing that such a move would be necessary “at least till there is some sort of sensitisation and agreement on what can be said in open court.”
The Advocates’ Association underscored that the issue at hand is not solely about the specific incident involving Justice Srishananda, but rather a broader concern about how younger members of the Bar, and particularly female advocates, are treated in open court.
The letter notes-
“The recent statement directed at a lady advocate has garnered national attention, highlighting the broader issue of how judges treat younger members of the Bar, especially female advocates. The Advocates’ Association Bangalore requests a complete halt to live streaming in courts until there is proper sensitization on what can be expressed in open court.”
The association fears that without such measures, the current situation could escalate, resulting in further harm to the public perception of the judiciary.
“Otherwise, the situation could worsen, severely damaging the public perception of the courts.”
– the letter cautions.
The letter, sent today(20th Sept), September 20, was signed by prominent members of the association, including its President Vivek Subba Reddy, General Secretary TG Ravi, and Treasurer Harisha MT. The collective leadership of the Association has made it clear that a pause in live-streaming is essential to protect the dignity of the judicial process while reforms and sensitisation measures are implemented.
Despite the outcry surrounding the viral videos, the Advocates’ Association acknowledged Justice Srishananda’s long-standing reputation for delivering sound judgments and maintaining judicial integrity. The letter stressed that while the recent incidents have overshadowed his body of work, his reputation for fairness should not be overlooked.
It states that Justice Srishananda is known for his integrity and good judgments, but also adds-
“However, all his commendable efforts have been overshadowed by the irrelevant remarks and jibes he made in those videos.”
This dual recognition reflects the complex nature of the controversy, as the Association seeks to balance its criticism of the specific remarks with respect for the judge’s overall career.
Details of the Viral Video Incidents
The two video clips that ignited the controversy show Justice Srishananda making remarks that many have found problematic. One of the videos, filmed during a court hearing on August 28, shows Justice Srishananda referring to a Muslim-majority neighborhood in West Bengaluru as “Pakistan.” This comment, which was perceived as inflammatory, quickly spread online, attracting widespread condemnation.
In a separate video from the same courtroom, Justice Srishananda is seen making a gender-insensitive comment, which further intensified the backlash. While the specifics of the comment have not been widely shared, the video has been interpreted as reflecting a dismissive attitude toward women in the legal profession.
The widespread dissemination of these clips has brought the issue of judicial conduct in open courts to the forefront, with many calling for greater oversight and accountability in how judges communicate with lawyers and litigants.
The Advocates’ Association’s request to suspend live-streaming is rooted in concerns about how such incidents may shape public opinion of the judiciary. With more courtrooms embracing live-streaming as a way to enhance transparency, there is growing unease over whether sensitive or inappropriate remarks could undermine public confidence in the legal system.
In their letter to Chief Justice Anjaria, the association stresses that while live-streaming has its benefits, it also requires careful consideration of what is shared with the public.
“There should be total stoppage of live streaming for such courts,”
– they argue, urging the Chief Justice to take action until appropriate safeguards are in place.