In Brief
The Supreme Court approved the installation of CCTV cameras (with and without audio recording) in subordinate courts and Tribunals with open hearings as a measure to promote good governance and aid High Courts' supervisory functions under Article 235 of the Constitution. The Court rejected concerns about judicial privacy, noting that court proceedings are public by nature. The Court directed the Union's Ministry of Information and Technology, in consultation with the Supreme Court's E-Committee, to prescribe uniform technical specifications and cost guidelines within one month. CCTV footage remains protected from Right to Information disclosure and shall be retained for three months unless otherwise ordered. High Courts must expand installation from two districts per State to all subordinate courts on a phased schedule. The matter was listed for further consideration on 21 November 2017.
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