The petition followed the viral circulation of two video clips showing Karnataka High Court judge, Justice V. Srishananda, making controversial remarks on social media. The Association had sought to stop live-streaming as a result.
Karnataka: The Karnataka High Court, on Tuesday(24th Sept), ruled that “no private individuals, including content creators, are permitted to upload videos of court proceedings streamed live on the High Court’s YouTube channel”.
Justice Hemant Chandangoudar further instructed certain social media users to remove videos already uploaded on their platforms.
“Until the next hearing, respondents 6 to 8 and 9 to 14 are prohibited from displaying the videos on their channels. Any videos uploaded in violation of the Rules must be deleted,”
the Court directed.
These orders were issued in response to a petition filed by the Advocates’ Association, Bengaluru, challenging the public’s use of live-streamed court videos, particularly by social media users.
The Court, however, remarked that halting the live-streaming of court proceedings was not a solution to preventing the misuse of these videos.
The petition followed the viral circulation of two video clips showing Karnataka High Court judge, Justice V. Srishananda, making controversial remarks on social media. The Association had sought to stop live-streaming as a result.
Nevertheless, Justice Chandangoudar pointed out that any misuse should be reported to the presiding judges.
“Judges and lawyers must develop a thick skin. I understand that it can affect lawyers’ morale, but stopping live streaming is not the solution. If an offense occurs, report it to the judge,”
the Court noted.
The Advocates’ Association approached the Karnataka High Court seeking an order to prevent the public from editing, altering, or misusing live-streamed videos of court proceedings.
The plea also requested that platforms like YouTube, Facebook, X, and other social media networks be directed to remove any videos or reels created using footage from the court’s live-streaming.
This petition was filed shortly after a video clip surfaced where Justice V. Srishananda referred to a Muslim-majority area in west Bengaluru as “Pakistan.” In another video, the judge made a gender-insensitive remark while addressing a female lawyer.
In response to the backlash over these comments, the Association, in a letter to the Karnataka High Court Chief Justice, requested that live-streaming be halted until some form of sensitization and guidelines are agreed upon regarding what can be said in open court.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court took note of the controversial remarks and asked the Karnataka High Court Registrar General to submit a report. Following the public outcry, Justice Srishananda expressed regret for his words and actions.
During the hearing on the Association’s petition, Additional Solicitor General Arvind Kamath emphasized that the High Court already has rules in place to address complaints about video misuse.
“If an offense is identified, a complaint should be made, and action will follow,”
he stated.
Kamath also praised the live streaming of court proceedings, calling it a valuable tool.
Background
On Friday, September 20, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of video clips that have surfaced online, featuring controversial comments made by Karnataka High Court Judge, Justice Vedavyasachar Srishananda, during recent hearings.
The issue was addressed by a five-judge bench, including Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant, and Hrishikesh Roy. The bench passed an order requesting a report from the Karnataka High Court.
The controversy arose after two video clips of Justice Srishananda were circulated on social media. In one of the videos, the judge referred to a locality in Bangalore as “Pakistan.” In a separate clip, he was heard making objectionable remarks directed at a woman advocate, which triggered widespread concerns over the appropriateness of such comments in a judicial setting.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, commenting on the matter, stated:
“The attention of the court has been drawn to media reports pertaining to certain comments made by KHC Justice V Srishananda. We have requested the Attorney General and Solicitor General to assist this court, and we request the Karnataka High Court’s Registrar General to submit a report after seeking administrative directions from the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court.”
The report, once completed, will be submitted to the Registrar General of the Supreme Court.
The court has scheduled the matter to be taken up again on Wednesday, allowing time for the Karnataka High Court to investigate the issue and submit its findings. This development highlights the Supreme Court’s immediate concern with maintaining the decorum and integrity of judicial proceedings across courts in India.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
