Lekha G –
The Allahabad High Court has started sharing the VC links for its Virtual Court proceedings on its official High Court website.
Advocates Areeb Uddin and Sparsh Upadhyay along with four law students had moved the High Court seeking permission for Live Streaming and Live Reporting of Court proceedings.
The petitioners had argued saying, “The fundamental right to Freedom of the Press, of the petitioners – as journalists/media persons – is well – settled in the day to gain access to VC or physical hearings and report the same as they occur, as the same is an implicit aspect of Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution.”
The Bench said, “No one is disputing your right, They’re working on all the aspects of the matter, we have to give them some time.” In response to the interim order requested by Advocate Shashwant Anand, appearing for the petitioners in order to prevent coercive action against those who indulge in Live Reporting.
On May 31, 2021, the Madhya Pradesh High Court issued notice to the High Court and State Government on the said plea observing that the petitioners have an arguable point.
Significantly, Justice Sheel Nagu observed that, “As far as the question of the Court being open for public view is considered, Court proceedings should be open, the same shall be held in public view, unless that person creates nuisance and that Court must be open to all.”
The Court posted the matter for further hearing on June 9.