Courts – Delhi High Court Orders Removal of Courtroom Videos Shared Online
Courts – The Delhi High Court has directed the removal of social media posts that feature video recordings of courtroom proceedings linked to a case involving former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The videos reportedly captured arguments made during a hearing where Kejriwal sought the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in connection with the excise policy matter.
Court Takes Serious View of Unauthorised Recordings
A division bench comprising Justices V. Kameswar Rao and Manmeet P. S. Arora issued notices to several political figures, including Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, and Congress leader Digvijay Singh. The notices were in response to a public interest litigation that alleged contempt of court through the uploading and circulation of these recordings on social media platforms.
The court has asked all respondents to submit their replies within four weeks. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on July 6. The bench emphasized that the issue goes beyond individuals and concerns the broader integrity of judicial institutions.
Concern Over Impact on Judicial Independence
During the proceedings, the court expressed concern about the potential consequences of such content being widely shared online. It noted that recording and publishing court proceedings without authorization violates established High Court rules. The judges observed that allowing such practices to continue unchecked could undermine the dignity and independence of the judiciary.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that the circulation of these videos not only breached legal provisions but also posed a threat to the fairness and sanctity of court processes.
Directions Issued to Social Media Platforms
The High Court instructed major social media platforms to promptly remove videos related to the April 13 hearing. Legal representatives for Meta Platforms and Google informed the court that the specific links flagged during the hearing had already been taken down.
However, the bench pointed out that similar content was still accessible on another platform, X. It directed that any such content must be removed immediately upon receiving notice. The court also allowed the petitioner to inform platform representatives about any additional clips, which must then be acted upon without delay.
Platforms Explain Their Role and Limitations
During the hearing, Meta’s counsel clarified the company’s position as an intermediary. The counsel stated that the platform does not actively monitor or censor content unless notified under applicable laws. Once informed, the company takes action to remove content that violates legal standards.
The court also asked whether platforms could identify the original source of the uploads. In response, Meta’s counsel indicated that since the accounts responsible for uploading the videos have been traced, subscriber details could be provided if required.
Government Response Sought on Digital Oversight
The bench has also sought a response from the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology regarding the regulatory framework governing such incidents. The court highlighted the need for clear accountability and effective enforcement mechanisms in cases involving unauthorised digital dissemination of sensitive material.
Next Steps in the Case
The case will be reviewed again on July 6, after the respondents submit their replies. The court’s directions indicate a firm stance on maintaining the confidentiality and decorum of judicial proceedings in the digital age.
The outcome of this case could have wider implications for how court-related content is handled on social media platforms and may influence future guidelines on digital conduct concerning legal matters