On July 4, 2025, the Delhi High Court notified the Electronic Evidence and Video Conferencing Rules, 2025, aiming to modernize and standardize the use of digital technologies in court proceedings. These Rules will apply to all judicial, quasi-judicial, and arbitration matters pending before the Delhi High Court and all District Courts within its jurisdiction.
The 2025 Rules have been framed in exercise of powers under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, and other relevant procedural laws. The Rules consolidate and replace earlier protocols, including the 2021 Video Conferencing Rules, extending formal recognition to the use of electronic communications and audiovisual technologies in trials, inquiries, evidence recording, appeals, and remand proceedings.
Key provisions include:
Virtual Presence: Permits the appearance of complainants, witnesses, accused, advocates, and other parties via approved video conferencing platforms.
Electronic Testimony & Evidence: Allows recording, examination, and cross-examination of witnesses, including police officers, experts, and public servants, using electronic means.
Remand & Bail: Accused persons may be produced and examined via video conferencing, except for the first physical production.
Safeguards for Sensitive Witnesses: Special provisions to ensure privacy and safety during virtual depositions, especially for women, minors, and differently abled persons.
Tech Standards: Mandates secure, end-to-end encrypted platforms hosted on Indian data centers with capabilities for multi-party login, recording, document sharing, and live public access where applicable.
Coordination Protocols: Introduces the role of “Video Conferencing Coordinators” at court and remote locations (such as jails, hospitals, forensic labs, embassies, etc.) to ensure smooth proceedings.
Signature and Record Authentication: Includes structured procedures for digital or scanned signature verification of deposition transcripts.
Public Access: Guidelines for granting public access to virtual court proceedings except in-camera hearings.
The Rules empower the Court to adopt evolving technologies and ensure judicial efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity while upholding procedural fairness. They also grant the High Court the discretion to relax or modify the Rules where strict adherence causes hardship or injustice.
