"Actively Addressing Logistical & Infrastructural Challenges": Delhi HC Rejects Plea Seeking Enhanced Access To Live Streaming Of Court Proceedings

The Delhi High Court has recently dismissed a plea seeking enhanced implementation of live streaming of court proceedings and for completing pending work in the live streaming process in a time-bound manner. Justice Sanjeev Narula observed that the existing infrastructure and the gradual expansion plans of live streaming are based on practical assessments by the Delhi High Court's technical committees. The court said that prematurely extending the services without adequate preparation may compromise the quality and security of judicial proceedings. The court rejected the plea moved by CA Rakesh Kumar Gupta seeking directions from the Delhi High Court to consider his suggestion to reduce the cost of the live-streaming facility. “It is apparent that the Delhi High Court is actively engaged in addressing the logistical and infrastructural challenges associated with expanding this initiative. Given the phased implementation and the ongoing deliberations within the Delhi High Court's committees, judicial intervention to mandate specific actions or timelines would be both premature and inappropriate,” the court said. Justice Narula also rejected the prayer for the supply of copies of live-streamed court proceedings, noting that the facility is presently under suspension as per the VC Rules. The court observed that the suspension is in effect until further orders or directions are issued, reflecting the current limited scope of live streaming, which is being implemented on a small scale and on a case-by-case basis in only two courtrooms. “This measure is intended to facilitate the initial phases of this new judicial transparency initiative, which currently operates in a limited capacity within the two designated courtrooms,” the court said. It also rejected the prayer for expediting the live-streaming process. The court said that the High Court is already committed to enhancing transparency through measured steps and imposing rigid timelines without regard to technical challenges and resource allocation would not be prudent.“Moreover, the judicial mechanism is not the appropriate forum for the Petitioner to suggest operational methodologies or to influence administrative decisions related to the court's procedural adaptations. Therefore, considering the substantial progress already made and the ongoing efforts to refine and expand live streaming capabilities, the Court finds no grounds to issue the directions sought by the Petitioner,” the court observed. It said that matters pertaining to the technical execution of administrative policies of live streaming are best handled by the designated judicial and technical committees of the High Court, which are equipped to address the issues in accordance with evolving needs and technical advancements.Justice Narula said that adjustments to recording procedures are technical matters best left to the discretion of the Court's IT and administrative teams, who are equipped with the expertise to ensure compliance with legal standards and operational efficiency.Title: CA RAKESH KUMAR GUPTA v. DELHI HIGH COURT THROUGH REGISTRAR GENERALCitation: 2024 LiveLaw (Del) 945Click here to read order

"Actively Addressing Logistical & Infrastructural Challenges": Delhi HC Rejects Plea Seeking Enhanced Access To Live Streaming Of Court Proceedings

Nupur Thapliyal

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