We came to know that media was depending on advocates to get links to cover Supreme Court: CJI NV Ramana at launch of virtual links app for media

The Supreme Court of India today released a mobile application which will enable journalists to report virtual proceedings without having to visit court premises during the COVID-19 pandemic..Chief Justice of India NV Ramana launched the mobile application at a virtual event. He was joined by fellow apex court judges Justices DY Chandrachud and AM Khanwilkar - who are recovering from COVID-19 - and Justice Hemant Gupta..In his speech, CJI Ramana noted that the judges were informed that journalists were depending on advocates to get links to hearings."We came to know that media was depending on advocates to get links and cover court. Thus there was request to create a mechanism so that press could attend the hearings.".Recollecting the challenges he faced during his days as a journalist, CJI Ramana said,"Media faces great challenges in reporting. I was a journalist for a brief time. That time we did not have car or bikes...Thus I too encountered difficulties as a journalist," said the CJI. .The Chief Justice also cautioned that small issues may arise during the initial phase of this "technological journey". He expressed hope that requisite time would be given to the system to expand."Errors may not be unnecessarily magnified. We are also introducing indicative mode which will summarise landmark judgments," the CJI revealed..Justice Hemant Gupta added a caveat, saying,"Access to media to court proceedings will increase transparency. One should be careful in reporting. There is a caveat, that links given to you are used in a bona fide manner and unauthorized persons do not use it. It will not be fair to the institution.".Justice Chandrachud added that all six people who developed this app had tested positive for COVID-19."All of us are in this together. We hope that this facility which CJI unveils will keep you all safe. Journalists are exposed so much to the outside world. I hope this is a part of the many steps which will be taken by CJI in the near future," said Justice Chandrachud. .Justice Khanwilkar also hinted at the possibility of the app becoming a permanent feature in the Supreme Court."Keeping the important association of the press with this institution in mind, we know that they are rendering essential services which needs to be harnessed. The institution is paying back by offering this little gift which will be cherished in the long run which is temporary now but can be permanent in the future depending on the operational issues we encounter," said Justice Khanwilkar. .CJI Ramana also revealed that he will actively consider live streaming of proceedings for some courts. However, before such a decision is taken, the CJI will seek consensus from all other judges of the top court. He added that a person will also be appointed to act as a coordinator between the media and the Supreme Court. .[Read an account of the launch event]