New Delhi: Home Ministry Clarifies Witness Examination Rules, Delhi Lawyers End Protest
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified that police stations or places under police control cannot be used for examining witnesses through audio-video electronic means. This clarification was issued by Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla in a letter to Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories.
Earlier, advocates from all district Bar Associations of Delhi had abstained from judicial work to protest against some provisions of the three new laws enacted by the Central Government. These laws have been in force since July 1, 2024.
The Bhartiya Nagrik Surkasha Sanhita (BNSS) initially provided for the examination of witnesses in police stations through audio-video means. However, the MHA’s letter clarified that police stations should not be designated for this purpose.
Following this clarification, Delhi Bar Association advocates have ended their protest and returned to work.
The new criminal laws include several key provisions:
- FIRs must be recorded within three days of complaints submitted electronically.
- Charges must be framed within sixty days from the first hearing.
- Trials in absentia can be conducted against proclaimed offenders after ninety days from charge framing.
- Judgments must be pronounced within 45 days after a trial concludes.
- Judgments must be uploaded within seven days of pronouncement to improve access to justice.
