In a significant move towards enhancing transparency and public access, the Supreme Court of India commenced live streaming of its constitution bench proceedings online in September 2022. This landmark decision by the highest judiciary in the country was aimed at bringing the proceedings closer to the hearts and homes of common citizens, ensuring greater accountability and fostering a more inclusive judicial system.
Chief Justice of India, Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative as he announced the latest step taken by the Supreme Court to make live-streamed content available in regional languages. While transcripts of the constitution bench hearings were previously prepared exclusively in English, this new development sought to bridge the language barrier and allow a broader audience to engage with the proceedings.
Since the introduction of online streaming, citizens across the nation have been able to observe the functioning of the Supreme Court in real-time, experiencing firsthand the workings of the apex court and gaining insights into the legal deliberations that shape the country’s jurisprudence. This move towards openness not only instills confidence in the judiciary but also encourages civic participation and a deeper understanding of the legal system.
The online streaming platform offers a user-friendly interface that allows viewers to access live broadcasts and recordings of past hearings. With the click of a button, individuals can now witness the arguments presented by eminent lawyers, the judges’ deliberations, and the final pronouncements on critical constitutional matters. This digital accessibility has revolutionized the way in which the Supreme Court interacts with the public, providing a unique opportunity for citizens to witness justice being administered.
The expansion of live-streamed content to include regional languages further reinforces the Supreme Court’s commitment to inclusivity. By accommodating the linguistic diversity of the country, the apex court aims to ensure that citizens from various regions can engage with the proceedings in a language they are comfortable with. This step acknowledges the significance of linguistic accessibility and paves the way for a more comprehensive understanding and participation in the judicial process.
The adoption of online streaming has had a profound impact on transparency and accountability within the Indian judiciary. The public now has an unfiltered view of courtroom proceedings, enabling them to assess the conduct of lawyers, observe the reasoning behind judicial decisions, and scrutinize the functioning of the justice system. This newfound transparency acts as a check on any potential misconduct or biases, fostering a culture of fairness and integrity.
Moreover, online streaming has opened up avenues for legal education and awareness. Law students, researchers, and aspiring lawyers now have an invaluable resource at their fingertips, allowing them to study landmark cases and understand the intricacies of legal arguments. This digital repository of legal proceedings serves as a comprehensive archive that can be accessed for educational purposes, legal research, and historical reference.
The successful implementation of live streaming in the Supreme Court sets a significant precedent for other courts and judicial institutions in India and around the world. It showcases the transformative power of technology in democratizing access to justice and encourages greater transparency within the judicial system. As the highest court in the land embraces digital advancements, it sets an inspiring example for other branches of government to follow suit, promoting openness, accountability, and public trust.
The Supreme Court’s decision to live stream its constitution bench proceedings online since September 2022 marks a monumental step towards transparency, accessibility, and inclusivity in the Indian judiciary. By embracing digital technology, the court has brought the workings of justice to the fingertips of common citizens, enabling them to witness and engage with the highest levels of legal discourse. This move sets a positive precedent and heralds a new era of openness and accountability within the judicial system, strengthening public trust and fostering a deeper understanding of the rule of law.