Courtroom dramas, clipped and shared

The article examines the evolution and impact of live-streaming and sharing of courtroom proceedings in India. It highlights how live-streaming, initiated by the Supreme Court for Constitutional Benches in 2022 and recognized as part of the right to access justice under Article 21 in a 2018 landmark ruling, has increased transparency and public scrutiny of the judiciary. However, it also delves into the challenges, such as the circulation of out-of-context clips leading to sensationalism and potential misrepresentation. The Supreme Court's recent interim order (July 24) restricting unauthorized use and circulation of audio/video clips, while exempting 'recognised news outlets,' has sparked debate among legal experts, journalists, and activists regarding balancing transparency with the integrity of judicial processes and the potential for a 'permission regime.'