In a strong message on protecting the dignity of courts, the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday (09 January) directed social media platforms to take down 102 links carrying edited clips of live-streamed court proceedings. The court ordered that all the URLs be removed within 48 hours.
Background
The direction came while hearing a public interest petition filed by advocates Arihant Tiwari and Vidit Shah, along with Dr Vijay Bajaj. The petition raised concerns over short videos, reels and memes created from live-streamed court hearings and circulated widely on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.
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The petitioners argued that selective clips of judges’ remarks and emotional courtroom moments were being taken out of context and presented in a sensational manner. According to them, such content damages the image of the judiciary and the legal profession, and may amount to contempt of court.
Court Observations
A division bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf examined the submissions and the list of links placed on record.
During the hearing, the bench noted that edited courtroom clips were being widely shared without context. The court orally observed that while blocking individual videos is possible, completely preventing future misuse is difficult because,
“it is an automated system, and new accounts can always be created.”
The bench also recalled its earlier ruling in Vijay Bajaj v Union of India, which restricts editing or unauthorised use of live-streamed court content under the Madhya Pradesh Live Streaming and Recording Rules, 2021.
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The Decision
Taking note of the list submitted by the petitioner, the bench directed the concerned platforms to block access to all 102 offending URLs within 48 hours. The court reiterated the need to balance transparency through live streaming with judicial discipline and institutional dignity.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on March 24, where the court will review compliance with its directions.
Case Title:- Arihant Tiwari v Union of India.
Case Number:- WP No. 36619 of 2025
