A senior advocate, Kapil Sibal opposes live streaming of the Supreme Court proceedings in the case relating to the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital. He said his 50-year reputation might suffer if the live telecast takes place. Sibal, appearing for the West Bengal government, raised a concern about how live streaming had already spoiled lawyers’ reputations.
He raised examples of threats, including rape threats, going to lawyers themselves-who do not represent the accused. “Female lawyers in our chamber have also received such threats,” he mentioned with a sense of concern at the potential emotional cost.
“Livestreaming cases with such emotional implications can have serious consequences…we have a 50-year reputation at stake! We are not representing the accused! Where was I laughing? This is unjust! These threats are now affecting the women in my chamber,”
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud rejected Sibal’s opposition as he said that live streaming in courts serves the public interest and lets more transparency into court processes. CJI assured Sibal that the court would look into the issue concerning lawyer threats but insisted that live streaming should remain.
However, Kapil Sibal opposes live streaming, which looks to prioritise his ‘personal interests’. Earlier, the Supreme Court asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) status reports regarding the RG Kar Hospital case. The CBI questioned the forensic report with various chain-of-custody issues in samples.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta confirmed that the samples have been diverted to some other labs for re-examination. The forensic report reveals the victim as found to be semi-nude with injury marks, and a detailed investigation is underway. The court at previous hearings observed that the findings of the CBI show a very disturbing character and pressed for more in-depth probes.
While sensitive to the issue under inquiry, the Supreme Court was less than eager to comment on the developments. The court also spoke to concerns regarding the West Bengal government’s proposal to limit night shift hours in order to prevent women doctors from working at night, saying women want equal opportunities, not concessions.