The Supreme Court Bar Association has condemned a recent notification issued by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, which allows police officials to record their testimonies virtually from within police stations.
The notification, dated August 13, 2025, designates the video conferencing (VC) rooms in all 226 police stations across the capital as official venues for police personnel to give evidence via electronic means.
SCBA Labels Notification As Arbitrary & Unlawful
The SCBA, led by President Vikas Singh, passed a resolution on August 22, 2025, expressing deep concern over the directive. The Association termed the move “arbitrary, unlawful, and against the principles of natural justice.”
The resolution emphasized that enabling police officers to testify from police stations not only dilutes the impartiality of the judicial process but also raises serious questions about fairness.
“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,” the resolution stated.
Fears Over Erosion Of Judicial Independence
The SCBA believes the notification could create an environment where the neutrality of testimonies is compromised. By turning police stations—where witnesses themselves may be involved or implicated—into venues for giving evidence, the Association argues, the order erodes the very foundations of due process.
“The SCBA took serious note of the notification,” the resolution reads, warning that it undermines the integrity of the legal system. The Association also stressed that such practices threaten public trust in the impartiality of court proceedings.
Legal Basis Under BNSS Invoked By The Government
The LG’s notification invokes the second proviso to Section 265(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which allows witnesses to be examined through audio-video means at locations notified by the state.
Using this provision, the Delhi administration designated the police stations as official venues for virtual testimonies. While technically within the legal framework, the SCBA argues that this administrative move disregards fundamental legal safeguards.
Unified Opposition From Legal Community
The SCBA is not alone in opposing the order. Bar associations from both the Delhi High Court and Delhi’s Trial Courts have also expressed disapproval, citing similar concerns about fairness and the impact on the rights of the accused.
“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.”
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