Live-streamed proceedings not meant for commercial gain, reiterates Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of India has reiterated its ban on the commercial exploitation of live-streamed judicial proceedings. The court emphasized that while public access is encouraged, using court footage for personal or promotional gain by lawyers is prohibited.
Why it matters
This ruling balances the need for judicial transparency with the protection of the legal profession's integrity and the prevention of commercial misuse of public records.
The Supreme Court on Friday (October 9, 2026) stood firm by its decision to ban the unauthorised use and circulation of livestreamed judicial proceedings on social media and digital platforms, saying “anything meant for public good” cannot be “exploited” commercially for personal gain.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant clarified that the explicit bar did not amount to a gag or restriction on viewing live-streamed proceedings or court reportage.
“Court proceedings are simply not meant for commercial exploitation. Anything meant for public good should not be exploited for money,” the Chief Justice said.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi, on the Bench, pointed out that court proceedings are live-streamed 24x7 in the United Kingdom and the United States, but the access was subject to strict guidelines against commercialisation.
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