New Delhi, Sep 20 (V7N) – The Supreme Court of India's YouTube channel was hacked on Friday amid ongoing tensions surrounding the live streaming of the high-profile RG Tax case. According to several Indian media outlets, the incident occurred around noon, when the channel’s live stream of court proceedings was suddenly replaced with an advertisement for a U.S.-based company, Ripple Labs.

NDTV reported that the hacking incident took place around 12 p.m., abruptly disrupting the live broadcast of judicial hearings. The channel, which regularly streams significant case hearings, including the recent proceedings of the RG Tax case, was disabled following the hack. A promotional video for Ripple Labs took over the channel during the breach.

A source from the Supreme Court, speaking to Anandabazar, confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the hacking. The YouTube channel link has been disabled while authorities work to resolve the issue.

The incident occurred just days after the live streaming of the RG Tax case hearing on 17 September, presided over by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. During the hearing, Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, requested the court to halt the live broadcast, citing concerns about misinterpretation of the proceedings and threats made to female lawyers associated with the case. However, the Supreme Court rejected the plea, with the Chief Justice stating that the hearing is a matter of public interest and must be held in an open court, which justifies the live broadcast.

Sibal argued that the case was being misrepresented in public, with female lawyers facing intimidation. "We have respect for the court, but it's being said outside that we are laughing at the ageless," he stated during the hearing.

In response, Chief Justice Chandrachud stood firm, stating, "We cannot stop the live telecast of the hearing. This is a public interest case, and we are holding it in an open court. We will look into your concerns, but the broadcast will continue."

Following this refusal, the Supreme Court's YouTube channel was hacked on Friday. While the authorities have yet to confirm who was behind the cyberattack, the timing has raised questions, especially given the heightened tensions around the RG Tax case and the court's decision to continue live streaming despite objections.

The court’s live-streaming service has been temporarily disabled as the investigation progresses.

END/AJ/MSS