The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) passed a resolution strongly denouncing a notification issued on August 13, 2025 by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, which designates police station video-conference rooms as official venues for recording police officers’ evidence via video.
The SCBA labelled the directive as “arbitrary,” “unlawful,” and in violation of natural justice principles, raising serious concerns about its potential to erode judicial integrity and the administration of fair trials.
In its statement, the SCBA asserted that the move threatens judicial independence and public trust in the justice system. The Association conveyed its “strongest condemnation” of the notification and called for its immediate repeal in the interests of justice and the rule of law.
On August 12, 2025, Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena approved an order classifying all 226 police stations in Delhi as designated venues for video-based police depositions. This initiative, aimed at enhancing efficiency and saving resources under the BNSS framework, allows police testimony to be recorded remotely, bypassing court appearances.
In response, the Coordination Committee of all District Bar Associations in Delhi issued a demand for the order’s withdrawal within 48 hours, warning of street protests and a two-day strike if their demand is ignored.
These associations criticized the order as “anti-lawyer,” “anti-justice,” and dangerous to the fundamental right to a fair trial. They argued that virtual depositions from police stations could be manipulated, potentially allowing another officer to guide responses during testimony.
In protest, all six district courts in Delhi abstained from work on August 22 and 23, opposing the notification and asserting that any lawyer appearing physically or virtually would face disciplinary action.