Justice BR Gavai flags misuse of live-streamed court hearings by content creators

New Delhi: Justice Bhushan R Gavai, a sitting judge of the Supreme Court of India, has expressed alarm over the growing misuse of live-streamed court proceedings by content creators. 

Speaking at a judicial event on Tuesday, he highlighted how short, decontextualised video clips from these hearings are being exploited to mislead the public and sensationalise legal matters.

Justice Gavai noted that while the initiative to live-stream hearings was introduced to enhance transparency and public access to justice, it has inadvertently provided fodder for creators who cherry-pick moments to craft misleading narratives. 

"These snippets, often devoid of context, distort the judicial process and undermine its sanctity," he said, urging for greater responsibility in how such content is disseminated.

The remarks come amid a surge in online platforms featuring courtroom footage, with some clips garnering millions of views but sparking debates over accuracy and intent. 

He further noted that AI-based tools are increasingly being employed for case management, listing, and scheduling, significantly reducing administrative bottlenecks. "AI can be a game-changer for judicial efficiency," he said. 

However, he cautioned that its use in legal research poses ethical challenges. Citing examples, he pointed out that platforms like ChatGPT have generated fake legal precedents, raising "significant risks" of inaccuracy and unreliability. "We must tread carefully to ensure technology aids, not undermines, justice," he added.