SC: installing cameras in courts not meant to record proceedings

The Supreme Court on Tuesday clarified that its order for installing CCTV cameras inside the courtrooms and tribunals across the country was not meant for recording the proceedings.

"We have passed orders for installation of CCTV cameras so that concerns regarding safety and administration of justice could be addressed. A court proceeding is open to all those who are present in the court but it may not be open to everyone who is not there in the court too," a bench of Justices Adarsh K Goel and U U Lalit said.

The court, however, said whether the terminal of CCTV cameras may be available with an oversight committee can be considered by high courts and the central government. A separate plea by senior advocate Indira Jaising and others for live streaming of court proceedings is pending before a different bench presided over by Chief Justice Dipak Misra.

As senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing as an amicus curiae, contended that recording the proceedings may require certain safeguards, especially in cases of sexual assaults, protected witnesses in sensitive cases, family disputes and juvenile cases, the bench said the purpose of the order was to ensure discipline, security and oversight.

The court said the concerns about the identity of victims and witnesses may also be considered by the High Courts and the central government and necessary instructions may be issued from time to time as may be found appropriate.

The court said installation of CCTV cameras can also be considered in state tribunals and quasi-judicial authorities, including the Executive Magistrate and Revenue Courts.

A report submitted by Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand on the status of installation of CCTV in tribunals was commended by the court as "great work". The court put the matter arising out of a writ petition filed by Pradyuman Bisht in 2015 for further consideration on April 5.