Karnataka HC Halts Live-Streaming Of Hearings After Miscreants Play Adult Video During Zoom Call

The Karnataka High Court has temporarily halted live-streaming of court proceedings and hearing through video-conferencing on Tuesday after miscreants played pornographic videos by illegally accessing the Zoom meeting passcode and other details. Chief Justice Prasanna B. Varale in the early hours of Tuesday announced the suspension, citing an unfortunate situation caused by mischief-makers involved. He orally stated that an unfortunate situation had arisen, and live streaming and video conferencing facilities would not be permitted.

While expressing anguish over the unfortunate ordeal, the chief justice remarked that the Karnataka High Court has always been in favour of the use of technology, however, miscreants have misused it. He also added that this measure is intended to preserve the judicial institution while urging all stakeholders to cooperate.

"We have to take this decision due to an unprecedented situation. Karnataka High Court was always in favour of technology being used for better services for the public at large. Unfortunately, technology is being misused," the Chief Justice said.

He also requested advocates not to rush to the Registrar and computer team to find out why permission is not granted. The Chief Justice termed it an unfortunate and unprecedented incident.

"Don’t immediately rush to the Court Registry and make complaints on 'why our permission is not granted.' This is something unfortunate, the situation is unprecedented. Otherwise, the Karnataka High Court was always in favour of using technology for the public at large. But for this situation, which is unprecedented. Please cooperate, please request your colleagues not to rush to the computer team, the Registry. This is the interest of the system, the institution rather. Even if some members of the press, may not be aware. Please tell them. You have to cooperate," the Chief Justice added.

Miscreants hacked the live streaming of the Karnataka High Court and played obscene videos. Authorities have filed a complaint with the Cybercrime cell, and its central division has begun an investigation.

(With inputs from IANS)