Chief Justice of India NV Ramana.

Keen to start live-streaming of Court proceedings; working out the logistics: CJI Ramana

THE Chief Justice of India(CJI) NV Ramana Saturday said that the Supreme Court was keen to start live proceedings at least for some of its courts and was working out the logistics as well as a consensus of the full court.

CJI Ramana was speaking at the launch of live-streaming of court proceedings of the Gujarat High Court.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Justice said the purpose of live-streaming was to keep the public informed. “It is only on the back of an informed citizenry that a representative democracy can survive and evolve,” he said.

He said at times live-streaming of proceedings could become a double-edged sword. Judges may feel the pressure of public scrutiny, which may ultimately result in a stressful environment that may not be conducive to justice dispensation.

“A judge must remember, even if justice commands standing up against the popular perception, he must do so out of his commitment to the oath he took under the Constitution. A judge cannot be swayed by popular opinion. Yes, with increased public gaze, he might become a subject of multiple debates, that should never deter him from his duty to protect the right of one against the might of many. Always remember, as a repository of people’s faith, a judge cannot afford lose objectivity”, he said.

In 2018, the Supreme Court allowed the live streaming of the cases of national importance on a plea filed by senior advocate Indira Jaising. The court had said, “live streaming of Supreme Court proceedings at least in respect to cases of Constitutional and national importance, having an impact on the public at large or on a large number of people in India, maybe a good beginning”.

Also Read: Gujarat HC becomes country’s first live-streaming court; An important step for an informed citizenry in a democracy, says CJI Ramana