Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 6: The Press Core Council, led by its patron Indu Bhushan Bali, has taken a significant step in its series of public interest litigations by filing a petition with the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. The petition requests the implementation of live streaming of court proceedings, arguing that such a measure would enhance transparency and uphold constitutional rights.
Indu Bhushan Bali contends that the absence of live broadcasting of court proceedings is a violation of Articles 14, 19(1)(a), and 21 of the Indian Constitution, along with provisions in the Right to Information Act 2005, the Civil Procedure Code 1908, and the Criminal Procedure Code 1973. He asserts that filing this public interest petition is a constitutional duty under Article 51A, emphasizing the need for public access to judicial proceedings.
The Press Core Council's petition calls for the Hon'ble Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court to adopt live streaming, akin to the practices of high courts in Gujarat, Guwahati, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Patna. The petition urges the court to direct the Registrar General of the High Court and the Ministry of Law and Justice of the Union of India to issue orders facilitating this implementation. Such measures would allow petitioners and the general public to observe the court's operations, thus promoting transparency and accountability.
The petition highlights several constitutional and legal provisions that support their demand. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws, which the Council argues is essential for transparency in judicial proceedings. Article 19(1)(a) provides the right to freedom of expression, including access to information about judicial activities. Furthermore, Article 21 ensures the right to fair and transparent judicial proceedings.
The Right to Information Act 2005 further advocates for transparency and accountability in governance. The Civil Procedure Code 1908 and the Criminal Procedure Code 1973 emphasize the need for open and transparent court proceedings. Specifically, Section 327 of the Criminal Procedure Code mandates that trials, particularly those involving severe penalties, be conducted in open court.
The Press Core Council believes that implementing live streaming would enhance the dignity and efficiency of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. It would provide real-time access to court proceedings, allowing the public to witness the court's commitment to upholding constitutional rights.
Indu Bhushan Bali has filed this public interest petition under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution, and it has been accepted with the registration number WP (C) PIL/3181/2024. The petition awaits further proceedings, which could potentially set a precedent for increased transparency in the Indian judiciary. |
