The Supreme Court has clarified that recognized news outlets can continue reporting on court proceedings but cannot use audio or video clips from judicial hearings for commercial purposes. This means such outlets cannot share raw or edited audio-video content on social media or digital platforms.
On July 24, the Court had issued an order banning the sharing, modification, storage, or monetization of court recordings without permission from the Secretary General of the Supreme Court or Registrars of High Courts. However, this order was not intended to stop news reporting by recognized outlets.
The Court emphasized that while reporting, such outlets cannot include audio or video clips from proceedings. The Bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, also mentioned plans to create a protocol for accessing court recordings through official archives.
This decision came after two activists questioned the July 24 order, arguing it violated the principle of open justice, which ensures transparency and accountability in judicial processes.