Same-sex marriage case in Delhi High Court not of national importance, majority not affected: Central government opposes live-streaming

The Central government has opposed the demand for live-streaming of court proceedings before the Delhi High Court in the case seeking recognition of same-sex marriages. .The government has argued that the matter is neither one of national importance nor does it affect the majority of Indian population.The purpose of the applicant in seeking live streaming is mala fide as he is “trying to get unnecessary publicity” and wants to invite “unwanted public attention”, the Central government contended. .An application had been filed by one of the petitioners in November 2021 asking the court to live-stream the proceedings in view of the Supreme Court’s directions in Swapnil Tripathi v. Supreme Court of India case.The apex court, the applicant said, had emphasised that there should be live streaming of court proceedings in matters of constitutional and national importance which has an impact on the public at large.The Centre in its response has opposed this application. .The Delhi High Court is seized of a bunch of matters seeking recognition of same-sex marriages. The petitions are listed for hearing on Tuesday. .In its affidavit, the Centre has argued that in the present matter, neither is violation of any fundamental right involved nor is it in any way a case national importance.It added that attempt by the applicant is to create a dramatic impression of the proceedings to win sympathy.“Dispensation of justice does not have any bearing on the number of persons who watch the court proceedings or subscribing to the You Tube Channel showing such proceedings. The Hon'ble Court does not opt for or seek public appreciation while dealing with matters involving questions of law and facts. Social reach of the live streaming cannot be a part of dispensation of justice,” the government has said in its response.It also said that Indian courts are not competing with the system in practice in countries like the US, US, Australia or Brazil.“This Hon'ble court does not require larger outreach or any larger audience than what is already available to the proceedings that are undertaken on a day to day basis,” the government submitted.