Obscene videos played, Karnataka HC suspends live streaming

“An unfortunate situation has arisen. We are stopping live-streaming and video-conferencing facilities,” Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale said in the court.

It is learnt that the obscene content was played during video-conferencing hearings of at least six courtrooms on December 4. It happened again on Tuesday morning when the court assembled for the day.

The Karnataka High Court Tuesday suspended the video-conferencing facility after miscreants played pornographic content during two hearings.

“An unfortunate situation has arisen. We are stopping live-streaming and video-conferencing facilities,” Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale said in the court.

Since the pandemic began, several high courts and the Supreme Court have been conducting hearings through video conferencing. In February last year, the Karnataka HC livestreamed the hijab ban hearing on YouTube. It was the first instance of a constitutional case streamed live.

Meanwhile, the cyber crime police in the central division has registered a case against unknown persons. Suresh, Registrar (Computers) of Karnataka HC approached cyber crime police, alleging that when the video-conferencing proceedings by judges were underway, some unknown people joined the video conference, “misbehaved and showed obscene visuals”.

Apurva Vishwanath

Apurva Vishwanath is the National Legal Editor of The Indian Express in New Delhi. She graduated with a B.A., LL. B (Hons) from Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow. She joined the newspaper in 2019 and in her current role, oversees the newspapers coverage of legal issues. She also closely tracks judicial appointments. Prior to her role at the Indian Express, she has worked with ThePrint and Mint. ... Read More

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