India’s Legal Reforms 2025: Extended Producer Responsibility and Live-Streaming Court proceedings

Introduction

India’s legal landscape has witnessed significant transformations in 2025, particularly in environmental law and judicial proceedings. The evolution of Extended Producer Responsibility and Live-Streaming Court frameworks, along with the growing adoption of digital judicial practices, represent pivotal shifts in how the Indian legal system addresses contemporary challenges. These developments reflect the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability and judicial accessibility while maintaining the integrity of legal processes.

The convergence of environmental regulation and digital judicial processes demonstrates India’s adaptive approach to modern governance challenges. While Extended Producer Responsibility mechanisms continue to evolve under existing environmental protection frameworks, the integration of technology in court proceedings has become increasingly institutionalized across multiple High Courts and the Supreme Court of India.

Extended Producer Responsibility: Legal Framework and Recent Developments

Constitutional and Legislative Foundation

Extended Producer Responsibility operates under the umbrella of India’s constitutional commitment to environmental protection as enshrined in Article 48A and Article 51A(g) of the Constitution. The legislative framework primarily derives its authority from the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which provides the Central Government with comprehensive powers to regulate environmental matters [1].

The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, under Section 3, empowers the Central Government to take measures necessary for protecting and improving the quality of the environment. Section 6 specifically authorizes the government to make rules for regulating the discharge of environmental pollutants, which forms the legal basis for Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.

Evolution of EPR Regulations in 2025

The year 2025 has marked significant developments in the Extended Producer Responsibility framework, particularly through amendments to the Hazardous Waste Management Rules. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change introduced comprehensive modifications to ensure safe handling, generation, processing, treatment, packaging, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste [2].

These regulatory changes emphasize the principle that producers must assume responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, particularly post-consumer waste management. The framework requires manufacturers, importers, and brand owners to establish comprehensive waste management systems that comply with Central Pollution Control Board regulations.

Implementation Mechanisms and Compliance Structure

The Extended Producer Responsibility system operates through a structured compliance framework that requires producers to register with appropriate regulatory authorities and submit detailed waste management plans. The Central Pollution Control Board has established centralized portals for different categories of waste, including plastic packaging, to streamline the registration and monitoring process [3].

Under the current regulatory structure, producers must demonstrate their capacity to handle projected waste generation through approved collection and recycling networks. The system mandates annual reporting of waste collection and recycling activities, with regular audits to ensure compliance with established targets and standards.

Legal Implications and Penalty Structure

Non-compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility requirements attracts penalties under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Section 15 of the Act prescribes imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years, or a fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or both [4]. For continuing violations, additional fines may be imposed for each day the violation continues.

The penalty structure reflects the seriousness with which environmental violations are treated under Indian law. Foreign companies importing products into India are equally subject to these requirements, establishing the extraterritorial application of EPR obligations for businesses operating in the Indian market.

Live-Streaming and Mobile Court Hearings: Judicial Innovation

Legal Authority and Regulatory Framework

The implementation of live-streaming court proceedings finds its legal foundation in the inherent powers of the judiciary to regulate its own procedures, as recognized under Article 145 of the Constitution for the Supreme Court and corresponding provisions for High Courts. The Supreme Court’s decision to introduce live-streaming was formalized through specific guidelines that balance transparency with judicial dignity.

The Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, has provided oversight for the implementation of live-streaming across multiple High Courts. As of 2025, live-streaming has been operationalized in High Courts of Gujarat, Orissa, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Patna, Gauhati, Uttarakhand, Calcutta, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Telangana, along with Constitutional Bench proceedings of the Supreme Court [5].

Technical Standards and Implementation Guidelines

The e-Committee of the Supreme Court of India has developed comprehensive Model Rules for Live-Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings, which establish technical standards and procedural requirements for implementing digital broadcasting of judicial proceedings [6]. These rules address critical aspects including video quality standards, audio clarity requirements, and security protocols to prevent unauthorized access or manipulation.

The technical infrastructure for live-streaming requires robust internet connectivity, professional-grade audio-visual equipment, and secure streaming platforms that can handle multiple concurrent viewers while maintaining the sanctity of court proceedings. The National Informatics Centre provides technical support and hosting services for these digital initiatives.

Privacy and Confidentiality Considerations

The implementation of live-streaming court proceedings necessitates careful consideration of privacy rights and confidentiality requirements. Certain categories of cases, including those involving minors, matrimonial disputes, and sensitive commercial matters, are typically excluded from live-streaming to protect the interests of the parties involved.

The judicial system has established protocols to ensure that sensitive information disclosed during proceedings is not inappropriately broadcast or recorded. These measures include the ability to temporarily suspend live-streaming when confidential matters are being discussed and the implementation of delayed broadcasting for certain types of proceedings.

Impact on Legal Practice and Access to Justice

Live-streaming of court proceedings has significantly enhanced public access to judicial processes, allowing legal practitioners, academic institutions, and the general public to observe court proceedings in real-time. This development aligns with the constitutional principle of open justice while utilizing technology to overcome geographical barriers.

The availability of live-streamed proceedings has particular significance for legal education, enabling law students and practitioners to observe high-quality judicial discourse and procedural practices. Additionally, it facilitates better preparation for legal professionals who can observe similar matters being argued before different benches.

Convergence of Environmental Law and Digital Proceedings

Case Law Developments Through Digital Platforms

The combination of evolving environmental law and digital court proceedings has created new opportunities for developing environmental jurisprudence. Several significant environmental cases have been live-streamed, allowing for broader public engagement with environmental legal issues and increasing transparency in judicial decision-making processes.

The Supreme Court’s approach to environmental matters, as demonstrated in cases such as M.C. Mehta v. Union of India and subsequent environmental jurisprudence, continues to evolve through digital platforms that make these proceedings accessible to environmental lawyers, activists, and researchers across the country [7].

Regulatory Enforcement Through Digital Monitoring

The integration of digital technologies in both environmental regulation and judicial proceedings has enhanced the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement. Environmental compliance monitoring can now be more effectively adjudicated through courts that utilize digital evidence presentation and remote hearing capabilities.

The Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards can present real-time environmental data and monitoring reports through digital court systems, enabling more informed judicial decision-making in environmental matters. This technological integration has improved the speed and accuracy of environmental litigation.

Challenges and Future Considerations of EPR and Live-Streaming Courts in India

Technical Infrastructure Requirements

The successful implementation of both Extended Producer Responsibility systems and live-streaming court proceedings requires substantial technical infrastructure investments. Rural and remote areas may face challenges in accessing high-speed internet connections necessary for participating in digital court proceedings or complying with online EPR reporting requirements.

The digital divide presents ongoing challenges for ensuring equitable access to both environmental compliance systems and judicial proceedings. Addressing these technological disparities remains crucial for the effective implementation of these legal innovations.

Regulatory Harmonization Needs

The rapid evolution of both environmental regulations and digital judicial procedures requires careful coordination to ensure regulatory coherence. Different states may implement varying standards for EPR compliance and digital court proceedings, potentially creating compliance challenges for businesses and legal practitioners operating across state boundaries.

Harmonizing technical standards, procedural requirements, and reporting mechanisms across different jurisdictions will be essential for maintaining the effectiveness and accessibility of these legal innovations. The development of uniform national standards while respecting state autonomy presents an ongoing regulatory challenge.

Privacy and Security Considerations

Both Extended Producer Responsibility and live-streaming court proceedings involve the collection and dissemination of potentially sensitive information. Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and privacy protections while maintaining transparency and accessibility requirements creates complex technical and legal challenges.

The protection of commercial sensitive information in EPR reporting systems and the safeguarding of personal information in court proceedings require sophisticated technical solutions and comprehensive legal frameworks that balance competing interests.

International Perspectives and Comparative Analysis

Global Best Practices in Extended Producer Responsibility Implementation

India’s Extended Producer Responsibility framework draws upon international best practices while adapting to local conditions and requirements [8]. European Union directives on Extended Producer Responsibility have influenced the development of Indian regulations, particularly in areas such as packaging waste management and electronic waste handling.

The implementation of EPR systems in developed countries provides valuable insights into effective regulatory structures, monitoring mechanisms, and compliance frameworks that can inform the continued evolution of India’s environmental regulations.

Digital Court Proceedings: International Trends

The adoption of live-streaming court proceedings in India aligns with global trends toward greater judicial transparency and accessibility. Several countries have implemented similar systems, providing comparative data on the effectiveness and challenges associated with digital judicial proceedings [9].

International experience suggests that successful implementation of digital court proceedings requires careful attention to technical standards, procedural safeguards, and ongoing training for judicial officers and legal practitioners. These lessons inform India’s continued development of digital judicial infrastructure.

Economic and Social Impact Analysis

Economic Implications of EPR Implementation

The Extended Producer Responsibility framework creates significant economic implications for businesses operating in India. Companies must invest in waste management infrastructure, establish recycling networks, and implement comprehensive tracking systems to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.

While these requirements impose additional costs on producers, they also create new economic opportunities in the recycling and waste management sectors. The development of EPR compliance services has emerged as a significant business sector, providing specialized services to help companies meet their regulatory obligations.

Social Benefits of Digital Court Access

Live-streaming court proceedings democratizes access to judicial processes, allowing citizens who cannot physically attend court sessions to observe proceedings and understand legal processes. This enhanced accessibility particularly benefits rural communities, students, and individuals with mobility limitations.

The educational value of accessible court proceedings cannot be understated, as it provides opportunities for civic education and legal awareness that contribute to a more informed citizenry. This transparency also enhances public confidence in the judicial system by making court proceedings more visible and accountable.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The developments in Extended Producer Responsibility regulations and live-streaming court proceedings represent significant advances in India’s legal and regulatory framework. These innovations demonstrate the country’s commitment to environmental protection and judicial accessibility while embracing technological solutions to contemporary challenges.

The continued evolution of these systems will require ongoing attention to technical infrastructure development, regulatory harmonization, and the balance between transparency and privacy. Success in these areas will depend upon sustained collaboration between government agencies, the judiciary, the legal profession, and technology providers.

As India continues to develop as a major economy with growing environmental consciousness and technological capabilities, these legal innovations position the country as a leader in adaptive governance. The integration of environmental responsibility and digital judicial processes provides a foundation for addressing future challenges while maintaining the rule of law and environmental sustainability.

The experience gained from implementing these systems will inform future legal and regulatory developments, contributing to a more effective, accessible, and environmentally responsible legal framework that serves the needs of India’s diverse population while meeting international standards for environmental protection and judicial transparency.

References

[1] Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 

[2] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. (2025). Hazardous Waste Management Rules Amendment. Available at: https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2025/07/04/hazardous-waste-management-rules-epr-amendment-2025/ 

[3] Central Pollution Control Board. (2025). Centralized EPR Portal for Plastic Packaging. Available at: https://eprplastic.cpcb.gov.in/ 

[4] Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Section 15. Penalty for contravention of the provisions of the Act and the rules, orders and directions.

[5] Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice. (2025). Live Streaming of Court Cases. Available at: https://doj.gov.in/live-streaming/ 

[6] e-Committee, Supreme Court of India. Model Rules for Live-Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings. Available at: https://ecommitteesci.gov.in/document/model-rules-for-live-streaming-and-recording-of-court-proceedings/ 

[7] Supreme Court of India. (2025). Live Streaming Portal. Available at: https://www.sci.gov.in/live-streaming/ 

[8] Recykal. (2025). EPR Registration Guide in India 2025: Compliance, Process, and Sustainability. Available at: https://recykal.com/blog/epr-registration-guide-in-india-all-you-need-to-know-in-2025/ 

[9] Climeto. (2025). Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in India: A Complete Guide for Businesses. Available at: https://climeto.com/extended-producers-responsibility-epr-in-india-a-complete-guide-for-businesses/