SCBA Condemns Delhi LG's Notification Allowing Police Officers To Give Evidence Virtually From Police Stations

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) issued a statement strongly condemning a notification dated August 13, 2025, issued by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, which designates the VC rooms of police stations as venues for recording the evidence of police officials virtually.In a resolution adopted on August 22, 2025, the SCBA President Vikas Singh and the Executive Committee took “serious note” of the notification, terming it as arbitrary, unlawful, and against the principles of natural justice.The Association highlighted that such a measure “not only undermines the sanctity of the judicial process but also compromises it.” Expressing concerns over the far-reaching consequences of the order, the SCBA observed that the notification poses a grave threat to judicial independence and the fair administration of justice.The resolution states:“The SCBA firmly believes that such a notification gravely affects the independence of the judiciary and the fair administration of justice, besides being against the larger public interest.”Recording its “strongest condemnation,” the SCBA has urged the concerned authorities to immediately withdraw the notification. “Accordingly, the Supreme Court Bar Association resolves to record its strongest condemnation of the said notification and urges the authorities concerned to immediately withdraw it in the interest of justice and rule of law.”The LG's notification is issued as per second proviso to section 265(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which allows for witnesses to be examined by “audio-video electronic means” at a designated place notified by the state governmentThe bar associations of the Delhi Trial Court and the Delhi High Court have also protested against the move.The notification states that the 226 police stations in the national capital were “designated” as places from where the police officials can depose before the Courts through video-conferencing mechanism and present their evidence.Second proviso to Section 265(3) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) allows witnesses to be examined by audio-video electronic means at a designated place notified by the State Government.LG's notification given below : Click here to read the statement.

SCBA Condemns Delhi LG's Notification Allowing Police Officers To Give Evidence Virtually From Police Stations

Anmol Kaur Bawa

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