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yesterday

Delhi Police Orders In‑Person Court Testimony by Officers as Lawyers End Strike

Bar leaders paused their boycott after the order, continuing to seek changes to BNSS provisions.

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Last month, the lawyers had gone on strike for six days against lieutenant governor VK Saxena’s August 13 notification allowing police personnel to give evidence to courts from police stations via video conferencing. (File Photo)
Lawyers protest outside Rouse Avenue Court last month against the Delhi LG’s notification allowing police personnel to give evidence to court from police stations via video conferencing | ANI video grab

Overview

  • An order issued by the Special Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) with approval from Commissioner Satish Golcha directs all police personnel to appear in person for depositions in all criminal trials.
  • The directive modifies a September 4 communication that cited an August 4 Delhi High Court notification naming police stations among designated places for recording evidence.
  • District court bar associations had moved to resume an indefinite work abstention, arguing video testimony from police stations undermines fair‑trial safeguards and the rights of the accused.
  • After Monday’s circular, bar leaders said the immediate demand was met and called off the strike, while pressing for amendments to BNSS Sections 530, 308, 265 and 266 on electronic recording of evidence.
  • The confrontation began after an August 13 notification by Lt Governor V. K. Saxena allowed police to give evidence from stations via video conferencing, prompting protests, a temporary police stay, and assurances of consultations from the Union Home Ministry.