CHENNAI: As part of its continuous push for digital integration with the criminal justice system, the State government has issued a notification designating specific locations for the examination of witnesses through audio-video electronic means.
The notification issued by the Home Department (Police–XI), operationalises provisions under relevant Sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The order aims to facilitate efficient, secure, and accessible judicial proceedings by allowing witnesses to be examined remotely using video conferencing infrastructure. This move is intended to reduce delays, improve access to justice, and ensure the safety and convenience of witnesses and officials.
According to the notification, video conferencing rooms in the Madras High Court and in District Court complexes, including Judicial Magistrate Courts across districts, have been designated for this purpose. In addition, video conferencing facilities in all government hospitals are authorised for the examination of witnesses.
The notification further extends the use of audio-video examination to specialised and administrative locations. These include video conferencing rooms in the offices of the Central Prisons, district jails, and sub-jails; forensic science laboratories under the State and Regional Forensic Science Laboratories; and offices of Collectors, Revenue Divisional Officers, and taluk offices.
Municipal Corporations, government departments, and offices of Secretariats and Commissioners are also included. Additionally, video conferencing rooms in the offices of the Head of Police Force, Director General of Police, Commissioners, District Superintendents, and sub-divisional police offices have been designated, particularly for examining investigating and other government officials.