SC Livestreaming may have “Flip Side” too, cautions Chief Justice citing Social Media Impact

New Delhi (India), May 6, 2023: Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud has raised concerns about the unintended consequences of live-streaming Supreme Court proceedings. Speaking at an event in Bhubaneswar, the CJI acknowledged the positive aspect of making court proceedings accessible to the public but highlighted the need for judges to be mindful of their words in the age of social media.

He emphasized that every statement made in court now enters the public realm, urging judges to be cautious and trained in handling the implications of this digital era. The CJI’s remarks came during the inauguration ceremony of the Neutral Citation for the Indian Judiciary and the National Conference on Digitization.

While live-streaming Supreme Court proceedings began in September last year, the CJI pointed out the challenges associated with this practice. He cited instances where snippets from court hearings, often humorous or out of context, surfaced on platforms like YouTube, potentially undermining the serious nature of judicial proceedings.

The CJI stressed the importance of maintaining control over the dissemination of court-related content online and called for a responsible approach to handling what transpires within the courtroom.

The move to live stream Supreme Court proceedings marked a significant milestone in the court’s history, allowing greater transparency and accessibility to the public. The apex court’s hearings are now available on its official website and YouTube channel.

However, the CJI’s cautionary remarks shed light on the need for judges to adapt to the challenges posed by social media and exercise prudence while navigating this new digital landscape where every word spoken in court can have far-reaching consequences.