The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to include measures against violations of its restrictions on unauthorised circulation of courtroom videos in its proposed policy.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana was hearing petitions concerning the unauthorised recording, circulation and commercial exploitation of live-streamed court proceedings.
Background
On July 24, 2026, the Supreme Court passed an interim order prohibiting the extraction, uploading, sharing, editing and monetisation of audio-video recordings of judicial proceedings on digital platforms without prior permission from the competent court authority. The Court subsequently clarified that recognised news organisations could continue reporting on hearings but could not use the restricted audio or video clips.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Bench that suggestions received from High Courts, lawyers and other stakeholders had been forwarded to MeitY for consideration while formulating the proposed policy.
The Bench emphasised that the policy must also address violations of its existing directions.
"Necessary measures for taking action against those who fail to comply with the directions will also be incorporated in the policy regime."
Advocate Prashant Bhushan suggested maintaining an authenticated repository of courtroom recordings with digital watermarks and verification mechanisms to help distinguish genuine footage from manipulated clips. Justice Bagchi indicated that administrative safeguards were being developed, including measures to prevent the extraction of recordings from certain High Court livestreams.
The Bench also reiterated concerns over commercial use of courtroom footage. Justice Bagchi observed:
"Court supervision is to the extent of how much you are extracting and for what purpose."
Bhushan raised concerns about requiring prior permission for journalistic use of official recordings. The Court stated that it would examine the issue as the matter progressed.
The Supreme Court directed that the proposed MeitY policy incorporate measures to address non-compliance with its earlier orders restricting unauthorised circulation of courtroom recordings.
Case Details
Case Title: Harshita Grover v. Union of India & Ors.
Case Number: W.P. (C) No. 751/2026
Bench: Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana
Decision Date: October 30, 2026
