Overview

• Lawyers abstained from work across Delhi’s district courts on August 22–23, leading to adjournment of many trials while urgent and custody matters proceeded.
• The Lieutenant Governor’s August 13 order designates all 226 police stations as venues for officers to testify to courts via video conferencing.
• The notification relies on BNSS provisions allowing examination by audio-video means at notified places, which lawyers say weakens cross-examination and handling of physical evidence.
• A Home Secretary circular dated July 15, 2024 advised against using police-controlled premises for video examinations, underscoring a policy conflict.
• Bar associations warned of further agitation next week if the order is not withdrawn, even as Supreme Court rulings deem lawyer strikes illegal and unethical.