MP High Court Issues Notice on Plea for Live-Streaming Legislative Assembly Proceedings

The Madhya Pradesh High Court, through its Indore Bench comprising Justices Vivek Rusia and Gajendra Singh, has issued a notice to the state government in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) advocating for the live streaming of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly sessions. The court has directed the state to submit its response within four weeks, emphasizing the importance of transparency and public access to legislative processes.

The PIL, filed by petitioner Sachin Yadav, underscores the fundamental right of citizens to be informed about the actions and decisions of their elected representatives. Yadav contends that live streaming the Assembly proceedings would enhance transparency and accountability, allowing the public to witness debates, discussions, and the passage of bills that directly impact their lives. He argues that such access is integral to the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.

The petitioner also highlighted the National eVidhan Application (NeVA), an initiative by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs aimed at digitizing legislative processes across India. Despite the central government's efforts to encourage digitalization, Yadav points out that the Madhya Pradesh government has not taken substantial steps to implement live streaming of its Assembly sessions. He noted that a formal representation was made to the state authorities in February 2025, but no action has been taken since.

By issuing the notice, the High Court has initiated a legal discourse on the necessity of making legislative proceedings accessible to the public in real-time. This move aligns with broader democratic principles, reinforcing the idea that citizens should have unobstructed access to the workings of their government. The court's directive for the state to respond within a stipulated timeframe indicates a commitment to addressing the concerns raised in the PIL promptly.

The outcome of this case could set a precedent for other states, potentially leading to a nationwide push for greater transparency in legislative affairs. If the court rules in favor of the petitioner, it may compel the Madhya Pradesh government to implement live streaming of Assembly sessions, thereby fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.