Karnataka HC passes interim order directing online platforms to remove shared videos of its proceedings

While the platforms restrained by the interim order are YouTube, Facebook, and X, the restrained accounts named in the petition are Kahale News, Fans Troll, Pratidhvani, Avaniyana, and Ravindra Joshi Creations.

The interim order called for the platforms to refrain from sharing the proceedings and said the accounts have to refrain from uploading live streamed videos. The bench said, “Respondents….are hereby directed to delete all the live stream videos uploaded on their respective platforms with immediate effect which are posted in violation of…the Karnataka Rules on Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings, 2021.”

The bench also observed that halting the live streaming on the official account would not be a solution, and that any issues could be brought to the notice of the court. However, live streaming continues on the official YouTube account of the Karnataka High Court, along with the uploaded past live streams.

The Advocates Association of Bengaluru had called for a temporary halt to the live streaming of proceedings until adequate sensitisation was done, while also stating that “live streaming has given rise to several YouTube channels giving adverse and mischievous titles to legal deliberations between lawyers and judges, which is impacting advocates.”