While hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions for the live streaming of proceedings of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a notice to the State government and sought its response within four weeks.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Gajendra Singh directed, “Issue notice to the respondents on payment of PF within 7 working days. Notice be made returnable within 4 weeks.”

The PIL urges the Court to direct the State to implement live streaming of Assembly sessions to enhance transparency in governance. It argues that the citizens, particularly the residents of Madhya Pradesh, have a constitutionally protected 'right to know' about the actions and deliberations of their elected representatives. The petition emphasizes that legislative discussions, queries, and the passage of bills have a direct impact on the everyday lives of citizens.

Therefore, enabling public access to these proceedings through live streaming would serve the larger public interest.

The petition also highlights that despite initiatives by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs under the ‘National eVidhan Application’ (NeVA) aimed at digitizing legislative functions, no concrete steps have been taken by the State to facilitate live telecast of Assembly proceedings.

The petitioners contend that live streaming would bolster transparency, promote accountability, and further the right to know—an essential component of the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

It was further submitted that a representation had been made to the State authorities in February 2025 through registered post, requesting the introduction of live streaming, but no action has been taken to date.

Taking note of the submissions, the High Court, on April 17, issued a notice to the respondents and directed them to file their response within four weeks.

Case Title: Sachin Yadav v. State of Madhya Pradesh, Writ Petition No. 8063 of 2025