MP High Court Directs Swift Removal of 102 Social Media Links Misusing Court Videos
The Madhya Pradesh High Court issued a firm directive on Monday. It ordered the immediate removal of 102 controversial social media links. These links allegedly misuse live-streamed court proceedings. The court gave a strict deadline of 48 hours for taking down the URLs.
Growing Concerns Over Selective Clips and Sensational Videos
This order addresses mounting worries about selective clips from court hearings. People are circulating these clips as memes, shorts, and sensational videos. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram host this content. A division bench led by Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf passed the direction. They were hearing a petition that highlighted the alleged distortion of judicial proceedings.
The petition raised serious concerns about edited videos on social media. It argued these videos misuse court content. The matter is now scheduled for further hearing on March 24.
Petitioners from Jabalpur File Case Against Video Misuse
Advocates Arihant Tiwari and Vidit Shah, along with Dr Vijay Bajaj, filed the petition. All three are residents of Jabalpur. The petitioners contended that excerpts from the high court's live-streamed hearings appear online. These excerpts often take the form of short videos and memes.
They frequently sensationalize remarks made by judges during open court proceedings. Such acts, the petitioners argued, amount to contempt of court. They also undermine the dignity of the judiciary. The petition sought a shift from live streaming on open platforms like YouTube. It proposed a more secure, Webex-based system instead.
The petition also demanded closer monitoring by the registrar (IT) of the high court. This monitoring would prevent unauthorized recording and circulation of proceedings.
Court Directs Meta and Petitioners to Act
During an earlier hearing, the court directed Meta to provide details of objectionable content and URL links. Meta informed the court it would remove the content once specific URLs were shared. Acting on this, the court directed the petitioners to submit the links in question.
Petitioner advocate Arihant Tiwari informed the bench that a list of 102 URLs was submitted. These included videos selectively portraying courtroom exchanges involving judges.
Examples of Controversial Video Content
Among the clips cited was one showing Justice Vivek Agarwal revoking bail. This occurred after an accused person jumped bail. A video clip of the accused's daughter pleading in court followed this.
Other videos allegedly showed sharp judicial remarks directed at advocates. These remarks concerned non-appearance or lack of preparedness. Observations by Justice Rohit Arya during proceedings in Gwalior also featured in some clips.
Court's Final Order and Broader Concerns
After hearing the submissions, the division bench directed the removal of all 102 URLs. Social media platforms must take them down within 48 hours. The court reiterated its concerns over the misuse of live-streamed judicial content.
It emphasized the need to balance transparency with institutional dignity and judicial discipline. This case highlights the ongoing tension between open court access and the respectful use of judicial proceedings.
