In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed a dispute between the Election Commission of India and the Madras High Court over oral remarks made by High Court judges during a writ petition hearing on COVID-19 protocols in elections. The Election Commission sought to restrain media reporting of these remarks. The Court held that oral observations during judicial proceedings, while not binding, are part of the public domain and may be freely reported by the media under Article 19(1)(a). The Court emphasized that open court proceedings and media reporting are essential to judicial accountability and democracy, though it noted the High Court's remarks were harsh and inappropriate. The Court disposed of the appeal, rejecting the media gag order while calling for judicial restraint in future.
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