A day after couple of video clips from its YouTube channel went viral, the Karnataka High Court Today (Sept 20) displayed a message before starting live streaming of its court proceedings warning viewers from recording, sharing or disseminating the videos of live court proceedings without prior permission.
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Bengaluru: In response to recent incidents where video clips from live court proceedings went viral, the Karnataka High Court today introduced a stringent directive aimed at controlling the recording, sharing, and dissemination of its live-streamed content.
A message was displayed on the court’s official YouTube channel prior to the commencement of the day’s hearings, warning viewers against unauthorized distribution of live-streamed videos.
The warning message explicitly stated:
“No person or entity (including print and electronic media, and social media platforms) other than an authorized person or entity shall record, share and/or disseminate Live-streamed Proceedings or Archival Data.”
This restriction extends to all forms of communication, including messaging applications. The court emphasized that the live-stream or its recordings cannot be reproduced, transmitted, uploaded, posted, modified, or republished without prior written authorization from the court.
The guidelines further clarified that authorized recordings, in their original form, may only be used for legitimate purposes such as news dissemination, training, academic, and educational purposes. Importantly, these recordings cannot be edited or processed, nor can they be used for commercial or promotional purposes.
The High Court also affirmed that the use of any recording devices during live proceedings is strictly prohibited, except for those authorized by the court. Anyone found violating these provisions would face legal action, with potential consequences under the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the law of Contempt.
The court emphasized its exclusive copyright over all recordings and archival data, stating:
“Any unauthorized usage of the live-stream will be punishable as an offence under the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, Information Technology Act, 2000, and other provisions of law, including the law of Contempt.”
This directive was issued following the circulation of two controversial video clips involving Justice V Srishananda of the Karnataka High Court. In one clip, the judge referred to a Muslim-dominated sub-locality in West Bengaluru as ‘Pakistan‘, while in another video, he made a gender-insensitive remark to a woman lawyer during a hearing. The videos, which gained traction on social media, sparked public outrage and called attention to the court’s proceedings.
Interestingly, the Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognizance of the judge’s comments and has sought a detailed report from the Karnataka High Court Registrar General regarding the matter.
The court’s new guidelines on live-streamed proceedings appear to be a direct response to these incidents, aiming to prevent further unauthorized dissemination of courtroom footage and maintain control over sensitive judicial content.
EARLIER TODAY IN APEX COURT
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 assembled this morning and 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.
BACKGROUND
Bengaluru: Karnataka High Court judge, Justice Vedavyasachar Srishananda, is facing intense scrutiny after two separate video clips of his courtroom remarks surfaced on social media, both of which have drawn widespread outrage.
In the first video, which went viral earlier, Justice Srishananda referred to a Muslim-dominated sub-locality in West Bengaluru as “Pakistan.” This comment quickly attracted criticism, with many questioning the appropriateness of such a remark, particularly from a sitting judge.
Shortly after this incident, another video of the judge emerged, where he is seen making a gender-insensitive comment during a court session. In the clip, Justice Srishananda reprimands a woman lawyer for responding to a question that had been directed to the counsel for the opposite party. When the woman lawyer interjects, confirming that the person in question was an income tax assessee, the judge responds by questioning her reasons for answering.
“Wait amma,”
-Justice Srishananda says, addressing the woman lawyer who then apologizes for her interruption. The judge continues, stating,
“You know everything of him. If asked tomorrow, you will tell what colour of undergarment he wears,”
-while smiling.
This comment was made in Kannada, and it reportedly elicited smiles from the other counsel present in the courtroom, though the remarks have sparked outrage outside the courtroom.
The videos have provoked a strong response on social media, with many calling for accountability and action against the judge. Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, a prominent voice on gender rights, took to her X (formerly Twitter) account to share the video, demanding that Justice Srishananda be sent for gender sensitization training.
“We call upon the Chief Justice of India to take suo motu action against this judge and send him for gender sensitization training,”
-Jaising posted on X, echoing the growing sentiment that strict action is necessary.
These incidents have amplified public discourse around judicial conduct and gender sensitivity within the legal system. The controversy has also underscored the importance of respectful language and conduct from those in positions of authority, particularly in a courtroom setting, where decorum is essential.
As outrage continues to build, many are awaiting further developments, with calls for the judiciary to take prompt action and address the concerns raised by these remarks.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Viral Court Videos
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