In light of severe overcrowding in the courtroom during the recent hearing of a high-profile case involving Asaduddin Owaisi versus the Union of India over Waqf Board matters, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has formally requested the Supreme Court Registry to initiate live streaming of future proceedings in the matter.
In a letter dated April 17, 2025, addressed to Mr. H.S. Jaggi, Registrar (Technology) of the Supreme Court, SCBA Honorary Secretary Mr. Vikrant Yadav cited alarming conditions in Court No. 1 during the hearing held on April 16. According to the SCBA, the courtroom was “overcrowded leaving no space to sit or stand,” which resulted in “suffocation/claustrophobia among the Members.” The situation reportedly led to two advocates fainting during the proceedings.
The case in question—W.P.(C) No. 269/2025, Asaduddin Owaisi v. Union of India—involves a batch of matters relating to the Waqf Board and has drawn significant attention from the legal fraternity and the public.
The SCBA emphasized that the matter is also listed for hearing today and urged that all future hearings of the case be live-streamed. The letter stated:
“You are therefore requested to direct the concerned authorities to provide the live streaming link to SCBA whenever this case is listed, so that the link can be circulated among the members to avoid overcrowding in the courtroom and prevent any untoward incident.”
The SCBA’s appeal comes at a time when the Supreme Court has already taken significant steps towards enhancing transparency in judicial proceedings through selective live streaming of constitution bench matters. However, the Bar Association’s demand highlights the growing need to expand such facilities, particularly for cases of substantial public and professional interest.
The letter is undersigned by Mr. Vikrant Yadav, Honorary Secretary of the SCBA.
