Video/audio recording of all court proceedings

SC favours transparency as seen in other countries

In a major bid to ensure transparency, the Supreme Court on Monday favoured the installation of CCTV cameras with audio recording of all court proceedings, including in its own complex, along with those of the High Courts and Tribunals.

The apex court observed that the Constitutional courts in other countries have audio and video recording.

A Bench of Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and U.U. Lalit directed the Centre to submit a feasibility report for installation of CCTV cameras with audio recordings in Courts and Tribunals.

“Constitutional courts in other countries have audio and video recording. It is not a matter of privacy of judges,” the Bench said, giving examples of the proceedings of the U.S. Supreme Court, which are available even on YouTube.

Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh, appearing for the Centre, pointed out that there was a decision of the e-committee of the apex court that does not allow recording of the Supreme Court’s proceedings.

The Bench said that order was on the administrative side only and a Court of Record means that everything should be recorded as long as it does not obstruct the proceedings.