Adequate Preparation Must To Expand Live Streaming Of Proceedings, Omnibus Directions Can Undermine Security Of Judicial Process: Delhi HC

Observing that adequate preparation is a must for expansion of live streaming of court proceedings, the Delhi High Court has said that issuing omnibus directions in this regard can potentially undermine the quality, confidentiality and security of judicial processes.

Justice Sachin Datta noted a coordinate bench ruling wherein it was noted that the Delhi High Court, on the administrative side, has been actively engaged in addressing the logistical and infrastructural challenges associated with the initiative to introduce or expand live streaming of Court proceedings.

Noting that it has been recognized that there are infrastructural challenges associated with expanding the initiative, the Court said:

“Also, importantly, the initiation / expansion of live streaming must be preceded by adequate preparation so as to ensure that the quality and security of judicial proceedings is not compromised. This is particularly in the light of recent concerns arising on account of misuse of live stream videos by content creators on social media.”

“As such, it is imperative that necessary practical assessments are made and safeguards are introduced,” the Court added.

Justice Datta rejected a petition filed by Bharat Bhushan Sharma seeking directions on the authorities to take necessary steps to ensure compliance with the directions issued by the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court regarding live streaming and video recording of court proceedings.

The Court noted that the technical committees of the Delhi High Court are actively engaged in the exercise of expanding live streaming of court proceedings and imposing rigid timelines without regard to technical challenges and resource allocation would not be prudent.

“Issuance of any omnibus directions (as sought by the petitioner), regardless of the technical issues and the safeguards that are required to be put in place, could have unintended consequences, potentially undermining the quality, confidentiality, and security of judicial processes,” the Court said.

It added: “In the circumstances, this Court is not inclined to grant the prayer sought in the present petition. The present petition is accordingly dismissed.”

Title: BHARAT BHUSHAN SHARMA v. GOVT.NCT OF DELHI & ORS.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 395

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