MP High Court Issues Notice To State On Plea Seeking Live-Streaming Of Legislative Assembly Proceedings

The division bench of Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Gajendra Singh observed, “Issue notice to the respondents on payment of PF within 7 working days. Notice be made returnable within 4 weeks.”

A public interest litigation was filed seeking directions from the High Court to direct the respondents/State to introduce live streaming of the proceedings of Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly in order to increase transparency in governance of the State.

The plea alleges that the citizens of India, including the residents of Madhya Pradesh have a 'right to know' what their elected representatives are doing for the development of the State. The plea further states that the discussion, questions, queries and process of passing bills in the Assembly impact the day-to-day life of common people. Therefore, to have direct and fast access to such information through live streaming of the proceedings of the Assembly would be in the interest of the public at large.

The plea states that despite the efforts made by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India by notifying 'National eVidhan Application' (NeVA) and calling upon the respondents to digitalize the functioning of Assembly, no serious efforts have been made by the respondents for facilitating live streaming of the Assembly proceedings.

The petitioners submit that they have raised the issue of beginning live streaming of proceedings of the Assembly for the interest of public at large so as to promote transparency and accountability in the government and to ensure smoother and greater access to information providing an effective framework for effectuating the right to know, which is a part of right of free speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution of India.

The petitioners also informed the Court that they had earlier made a representation in February 2025 before the respondents through registered post but nothing has been done by the respondents for introducing live streaming/live telecast of Assembly proceedings.

While hearing the matter on April 17, the Madhya Pradesh High Court issued notice to the respondents and sought a reply within four weeks.

Case Title: Sachin Yadav Vs The State Of Madhya Pradesh, Writ Petition No. 8063 Of 2025