SC for audio-video recording of all court proceedings

In a major step which is likely to ensure judicial accountability and transparency, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered all 24 high courts to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and voice recorders in trial courts across the country and asked the government to consider the same for tribunals.

The bench, however, stipulated that the audio-video recordings won’t be made available under RTI provisions. Notably, in the US, Supreme Court proceedings are even made available on YouTube.

Earlier in March, the Apex Court had directed installation of CCTV cameras inside the courts and at important locations within the court complexes in at least two districts in every state and Union Territory.

A bench, comprising Justice AK Goel and Justice UU Lalit, on Monday stated that installation of CCTV camera be undertaken in a phased manner, as considered appropriate by the respective high courts.

It observed that judges in other countries do not consider recording of court proceedings as a violation of privacy. It further directed that the schedule for such installation be laid down within one month, and information be furnished to the Apex Court within two months.

“We are satisfied, after considering the submissions and perusing the studies which have been brought to our notice that installation of CCTV Cameras will be in the interest of justice. Any apprehension to the contrary needs to be repelled. We have already incorporated safeguards of footage of recording not being given for any purpose other than the purpose for which the High Court considers it appropriate,” the bench observed, according to a report by livelaw.in.

Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh submitted, “CCTV cameras are culture of the day and promotes good governance.” He further pointed out that there was “acknowledged utility of CCTV cameras in recording contemporary events which may be useful for any monitoring authority.”

The bench directed the Union of India, Ministry of Information and Technology in consultation with E-Committee of the Supreme Court to lay down technical specifications and other modalities, including price range and sources of supply, for installation of CCTV cameras in courts. “This may be done within a period of one month from today and such information may be provided to all the high courts. The duration for which audio and video recordings may be retained may normally be three months, unless otherwise directed by any high court,” it ordered.