Supreme Court Clarifies Media Can Report Court Proceedings, Ban Applies Only to Audio-Video Recordings

August 5, 2026 : The Supreme Court has clarified that its interim directions regulating the use of audio and video recordings of court proceedings do not prevent recognised news organisations from reporting court hearings. The Court issued the clarification after concerns emerged that its earlier order was being interpreted as a blanket restriction on media coverage of judicial proceedings.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohan observed that the order dated July 31 should not be construed as preventing recognised media organisations from covering court proceedings. The Bench emphasised that journalists and recognised news organisations remain free to report on hearings, judicial pronouncements, significant observations and court orders in the public interest.

At the same time, the Court reiterated that recognised media organisations cannot use, circulate or publish audio or video recordings captured during court proceedings in violation of the interim directions. The restrictions apply only to the unauthorised use of courtroom recordings and do not affect legitimate news reporting based on court proceedings.

The clarification is linked to the Supreme Court’s interim order dated July 24, through which it prohibited the extraction, dissemination, monetisation, uploading, reposting, transmission, modification, storage or hosting of audio and video recordings of court proceedings on social media, digital platforms or any other medium without prior authorisation.

The Bench had directed that anyone intending to use such recordings must first obtain permission from the Secretary General of the Supreme Court or the Registrar General of the concerned High Court, as the case may be.

The Court noted that even while issuing the interim directions, it had made it clear that the restrictions were confined to the use of courtroom recordings and were never intended to interfere with responsible reporting of judicial proceedings by recognised news organisations.

The proceedings arise from a pending writ petition concerning the regulation of live-streamed court proceedings and the unauthorised circulation of courtroom recordings. During the earlier hearing, the Supreme Court directed the Union Government to place before it a comprehensive proposal, prepared in consultation with the concerned nodal ministries, for implementing the reliefs sought in the petition.

The Court also instructed all High Courts to submit status reports on the adoption and implementation of the Model Rules for Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings. In addition, the High Courts have been asked to indicate the feasibility of ensuring continuous and uninterrupted live streaming of court proceedings while maintaining judicial discipline, transparency and procedural safeguards.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing before the Supreme Court on September 18.