Tue Sep 24 17:39:03 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka High Court Bans Public from Uploading Live-Streamed Videos, Orders Social Media Platforms to Take Down Existing Ones
**Bengaluru, India** – The Karnataka High Court has taken action to curb the unauthorized use of live-streamed court proceedings, barring the public from uploading videos from the High Court’s YouTube channel. The court also ordered Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube to remove any existing videos uploaded by individuals.
This decision follows a petition filed by the Advocates’ Association, Bengaluru, concerned about the misuse of live-streamed footage, particularly on social media. The petition was prompted by viral videos of Justice V Srishananda making controversial remarks, including referring to a Muslim-dominated area as “Pakistan” and making a gender-insensitive comment towards a woman lawyer.
While recognizing the misuse of live-streamed videos, the court stated that halting live-streaming altogether was not the solution. Instead, Justice Hemant Chandangoudar emphasized the need for individuals to report any offense observed during proceedings directly to the judge.
The court’s order also includes directives for the social media platforms to remove any existing videos that violate the rules. The court acknowledged that the High Court already has rules in place to address complaints regarding the misuse of videos.
The Supreme Court has also taken note of the controversial comments by Justice Srishananda, requesting a report from the Karnataka High Court Registrar General on the matter. Justice Srishananda has since expressed regret for his actions and words.
The live-streaming of court proceedings has been hailed as a boon by the Additional Solicitor General Arvind Kamath, allowing greater transparency and access to the public. However, the court’s decision reflects a growing concern regarding the potential for misuse and the need to strike a balance between transparency and protecting the integrity of the judicial process.
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