Supreme Court E-committee releases draft Model Rules for live-streaming, recording of court proceedings; invites suggestions from stakeholders

The e-committee of the Supreme Court of India has released the Draft Model Rules for Live-Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings on public domain, inviting inputs and suggestions from all stakeholders. .The Model Rules were framed by a sub-committee consisting of judges of the Bombay, Delhi, Madras and Karnataka High Courts."The sub-committee has held extensive deliberations. It took into account the principles enunciated in the decision of the Supreme Court in Swapnil Tripathi v Supreme Court of India [(2018) 10 SCC 639] including the concerns of privacy and confidentiality of litigants and witnesses, matters relating to business confidentiality, prohibition or restriction of access to proceedings or trials stipulated by Central or State legislation and in some cases to preserve the larger public interest owing to the sensitivity of the case," a press release issued in this regard said. The draft Model Rules are now available on website of e-committee..Further, e-committee chairperson Justice DY Chandrachud wrote to Chief Justices of all High Courts, calling for their inputs and suggestions..The letter described the vision of the Supreme Court e-committee for the Indian judicial system as follows:“The e-Committee, Supreme Court of India envisages a judicial system which is more accessible, efficient and equitable for every individual who engages with the justice delivery system.”.The letter also emphasised on the access to live court proceedings as part of the right of access to justice envisaged under Article 21 of the Constitution.“The right of access to justice, guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution encompasses the right to access live court proceedings. To imbue greater transparency, inclusivity and foster access to justice, the e-Committee has undertaken the project of live streaming of court proceedings on priority,” the letter written by Justice Chandrachud said. .The e-Committee, along with the Department of Justice, Government of India is working under the National Policy and Action Plan for implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Indian Judiciary..Access the Draft Model Rules Here..Suggestions and inputs can be sent to ecommittee@aij.gov.in on or before 30.06.2021..[Read Press Release]