HP High Court Steps into Digital Era: Launches Live Streaming of Proceedings and Advanced Hybrid VC
SHIMLA: In a landmark reform aimed at bringing the courtroom directly into citizens’ homes, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh officially launched the live streaming of its judicial proceedings alongside advanced hybrid video conferencing on Wednesday, becoming one of only ten High Courts across India to implement live broadcasts of its courtrooms.
The initiative was formally inaugurated at Shimla by Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia in the presence of sitting judges, Registrar General Vikas Bhardwaj, judicial officers, and office bearers and members of the Bar Association.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Sandhawalia underscored that the move goes well beyond mere technological upgrade, marking a decisive shift toward a more transparent, accessible, and citizen-centric justice delivery system.
"The physical courtroom traditionally served as a bridge between the judiciary and society. Live streaming extends that bridge beyond physical boundaries, allowing the public direct access to proceedings rather than having them depend on second-hand or selective accounts," Chief Justice Sandhawalia observed, adding that real-time visibility will strengthen institutional accountability.
Bridging Geography and Ensuring Legal Literacy
The Chief Justice pointed out that real-time courtroom access carries particular significance for Himachal Pradesh, where difficult mountainous terrain and remote valleys frequently impose severe travel hurdles on litigants and advocates.
Beyond improving physical accessibility, the initiative will serve as an educational asset, broadening public legal literacy and offering practical training for law students.
Chief Justice Sandhawalia cautioned, however, that transparency must not be confused with sensationalism:
Decorum over Publicity: Court proceedings must retain their solemnity; the purpose is meaningful democratic access, not entertainment.
Privacy Protections: The public’s right to know must be weighed against individual dignity, particularly by excluding sensitive proceedings such as matrimonial disputes, child custody, and matters involving victims of sexual offenses.
Cybersecurity Safeguards: Stringent technical measures will be deployed to prohibit unauthorized recording, reproduction, alteration, or misuse of broadcast footage.
Justice Seen to Be Done"
Speaking at the event, Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, Chairperson of the High Court's Computer, e-Courts and AI Committee, termed the launch the realization of the enduring legal maxim that "justice should not only be done, but seen to be done."
Acknowledging early skepticism surrounding the broadcast of court hearings, Justice Goel noted that public transparency will ultimately bolster trust in the institution.
By opening judicial interactions to informed appreciation and scrutiny, he said, the initiative reaffirms the judiciary's commitment to public confidence and the rule of law.
Live streaming proceedings and official judicial events are broadcast via the High Court of Himachal Pradesh Official YouTube Channel.
This channel hosts official ceremonies and live broadcasts of court events directly from the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
