Himachal High Court Goes Live, Bringing Justice Closer to the People
In a significant move towards making the justice system more accessible and transparent, the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday launched live streaming of court proceedings. Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia inaugurated the Advanced Hybrid Video Conferencing system in the presence of judges, judicial officers, members of the Bar, and other dignitaries.
Calling it a milestone rather than just a technological upgrade, Chief Justice Sandhawalia said the initiative reflects the judiciary’s commitment to openness and public accessibility in an evolving digital era. At the same time, he emphasized that transparency must not come at the cost of the dignity and decorum of the courts.
“Transparency should not be confused with publicity,” he remarked, stressing that the purpose of live streaming is to improve meaningful public access to judicial proceedings, not to turn courtrooms into platforms for entertainment.
The Chief Justice noted that the initiative holds special importance for Himachal Pradesh, where difficult terrain often makes it challenging for people to physically attend court proceedings. He said live streaming can also serve as a valuable tool for legal education and public awareness about the judicial process.
Recalling the judiciary’s rapid adoption of technology during the Covid-19 pandemic, Justice Sandhawalia highlighted the need to balance openness with privacy and dignity, particularly in sensitive matters involving children, sexual offence victims, and family disputes. He also underlined the importance of strong cybersecurity measures to prevent misuse of court proceedings.
Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, Chairperson of the Computer, e-Courts and AI Committee, said Himachal Pradesh has become the ninth High Court in the country to officially begin live streaming proceedings. Acknowledging the initial reservations surrounding the move, he expressed confidence that greater public access would strengthen trust in the judiciary.
The launch marks another step in the judiciary’s digital transformation, aiming to make justice more accessible while preserving the independence, fairness, and sanctity of the judicial process.
