Supreme Court permits reporting, bans audio-video clips

The Supreme Court has clarified that its interim order restricting the use of audio and video clips from judicial proceedings does not prevent recognized news organizations from reporting on court hearings. The clarification, issued on July 31, aims to resolve confusion stemming from an earlier interim order passed on July 24.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, stated that the July 24 order should not be interpreted as a blanket prohibition on courtroom reporting. The court specified that while news outlets may continue to inform the public about legal developments and judicial pronouncements, they cannot utilize audio or video clips of the proceedings in their coverage.

The July 24 interim order had prohibited a range of activities involving audiovisual recordings of court proceedings on digital platforms without prior permission. These activities include extraction, editing, dissemination, reposting, uploading, monetization, and hosting on social media or other digital channels. Permission must be obtained from the Secretary General of the Supreme Court or the Registrar General of the concerned High Court.