Newdelhi,Oct 9, 2026 20:18 ISTThe Supreme Court on Friday stated that there was no intention of gagging or restricting the live-streaming of court proceedings, even as it raised concerns regarding the misuse of hearing videos for monetization, advertising, and misrepresentation. The bench noted that certain individuals were extracting clips for personal promotion and commercial gain, which ultimately harms the institution.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana made these observations while hearing a petition that sought to restrain the unauthorized extraction and monetization of videos depicting court proceedings. The court granted the Centre a period of two weeks to file its reply and suggestions based on feedback from various high courts, indicating that necessary guidelines would subsequently be issued.
Expressing displeasure during the proceedings, the bench addressed advocate Mathews J Nedumpara, who acknowledged sharing video clips on social media. The court remarked that such actions cause damage to the Bar, the Bench, and the institution as a whole. While Nedumpara argued against restricting live-streaming or sharing clips and maintained that the court should remain open without fear of criticism, CJI Kant reaffirmed that the judiciary had no intention of implementing a gag or restricting live broadcasts, while reiterating concern over commercial exploitation and misrepresentation.
Justice Bagchi highlighted that the Bar Council of India prohibits lawyers from canvassing for professional gain, noting that much of the current uploading is done for personal promotion and professional advancement, which he termed a very serious issue. He added that the judiciary is arranging sufficient storage space to preserve live-streamed data, but technological limitations currently prevent effective regulation against individuals extracting and uploading portions of proceedings for personal benefit.
Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan pointed out that distorted clips with misleading captions were frequently uploaded to social media. Meanwhile, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, stated that certain YouTube channels were still uploading court proceedings despite existing orders and supported directions to halt such activities.
CJI Kant emphasized that court proceedings are intended for public viewing, public understanding, and proper information, rather than commercial exploitation. The bench concluded that while live-streaming will proceed uninterrupted, the court intends to establish formal guidelines to address commercial exploitation, misleading clips, and other forms of misuse, ensuring that reporting remains fair and accurate.