The Supreme Court of India on Friday banned the posting or uploading of audio-video recordings of court proceedings without prior permission from the concerned court. The interim order was issued by a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, prohibiting extraction, modification, dissemination, posting, re-posting, uploading, or monetisation of such recordings on social media or digital platforms without approval from the Registrar General of the relevant High Courts or the Secretary General of the Supreme Court, according to livemint.com.
The order aims to regulate the use of judicial audio and video content to maintain the integrity of court proceedings. It specifically requires prior permission before any such content can be shared or monetised online. The Supreme Court clarified that the ban does not affect live telecasts or recordings made with prior approval. This move follows concerns about unauthorized sharing and potential misuse of court recordings on digital platforms, as reported by Live Law and detailed by livemint.com.
This ruling comes amid growing digital consumption of court proceedings and aims to balance transparency with the protection of judicial processes. It aligns with global trends where courts regulate media coverage to prevent distortion or sensationalism. The order could impact media houses, legal professionals, and social media platforms that frequently share court content. It also underscores the judiciary's intent to control the narrative and prevent unauthorized monetisation of judicial recordings, according to livemint.com.
The Supreme Court's interim order took effect immediately on Friday, July 24, 2026, with enforcement overseen by the Registrar General and Secretary General offices. The next hearing on this matter will determine if the order will be made permanent, as per livemint.com.