Recording of Court Proceedings: SC appoints Sidharth Luthra as Amicus Curiae

The Supreme Court today sought the assistance of Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra in the case concerning installation of CCTVs in courts and recording of court proceedings..A Bench of Justices AK Goel and UU Lalit passed the order today in the petition filed by one Pradyuman Bisht..The Court had directed that CCTVs be installed in all subordinate courts and in various tribunals. It had also pushed for audio recording of proceedings..The Centre was also directed by the Court to submit the progress made by various High Courts as well as tribunals in this regard..On the November 23 hearing, the Bench heard Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, who appeared for the Central government, and noted the “commendable progress” made in the matter..An affidavit submitted on that date revealed that fifteen high courts had followed the Supreme Court’s earlier direction to set up CCTV facilities in at least two districts, and were using a phased approach to do the same in other districts..When the matter came up today, advocate R Balasubramanium, appearing for the Centre, sought more time to submit the report of the progress made..“Why dont you do it? Why such casual approach? The case has been going on for sometime”, remarked Justice Goel..The Court then sought the assistance of Sidharth Luthra, who was present in the court room. Luthra consented, whereupon the matter was adjourned to next Tuesday.