No video-conference links on WhatsApp: Supreme Court

New Delhi, February 27

Days after the Centre announced the tightening of rules governing social media and streaming companies, the Supreme Court on Saturday decided to stop sharing video-conference links for court hearings with WhatsApp groups.

“It is notified for the information of the advocates-on-record/party-in-persons that the creation of groups in WhatsApp for sharing of VC links for hearing of their matters is restricted/barred due to new guidelines or regulations issued by the Government of India pertaining to social media apps and OTT platforms,” the SC announced.

It said with effect from March 1, video-conference links would be shared through registered email IDs as well as by SMS on registered mobile numbers of the advocates-on-record/party-in-persons.

The court has partially modified its July 4, 2020, SOP for advocate/party-in-person for e-filing, mentioning, listing and video-conferencing hearing. The decision has been taken in view of the newly notified IT Rules, 2021. — TNS