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Feasibility of live telecast of SC proceedings

Kashmir Times. Dated: 2/13/2018 3:59:49 PM

Dear Editor,
Subsequent to self-exposure of happenings within corridors linking chambers of Supreme court judges by four senior judges of the Apex Court in the media-conference, Supreme Court has finally agreed on 09.02.2018 to consider feasibility of live telecast of Supreme Court proceedings even though earlier even video-recording of the same were declined.
But live telecast can be feasible only for few selected court-proceedings. Need is to provide some practical mechanism whereby recordings may be replayed in case of need. It may be recalled that Supreme Court had to issue contempt-notices on 20.09.2012 to two English dailies Pioneer and Indian Express allegedly for their having misreported court-proceedings.
With court-rooms equipped with necessary wiring-slots for the purpose, Supreme Court should take immediate steps for compulsory audio-recording of proceedings in all court-rooms, which may be available on annual subscription to those having subscribed for the same soon after court-proceedings are over for the day. Provision of providing recording of daily proceedings of individual court-rooms may also be there on payment. System will induce much-needed transparency, accountability and responsibility for all present in court-rooms.
Rather such a system should be there in all courts of different levels in the country to be started from stage of High Courts.
—Madhu Agrawal,
1775 Kucha Lattushah
Dariba, Chandni Chowk Delhi.