New Delhi, August 28, 2025:
Following widespread protests by lawyers across the national capital, the Delhi Police has announced that the controversial notification issued by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) on August 13, 2025 — allowing police officers to depose before courts through video conferencing from police stations — will not be implemented immediately. The Union Home Minister will now hold consultations with bar representatives before any further steps are taken.

In an official statement, the Delhi Police clarified:
“In view of the concerns raised, it has been decided that Union Home Minister would meet the representatives of the Bar to discuss the issue with an open mind. In the meantime, the operation of the said notification on the ground would only be carried out after hearing all stakeholders.”

The LG’s notification, issued under Section 265(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), had designated all 226 police stations in Delhi as places where police officers could testify and present evidence before courts via video-conferencing. The second proviso to Section 265(3) permits witnesses to be examined through electronic means at places notified by the State Government.

However, the notification has drawn strong backlash from the legal fraternity. Bar associations argue that allowing depositions from within police stations undermines the principle of open justice and tilts the balance in favor of the prosecution. According to lawyers, testimonies must be given only in courtrooms — open, neutral, and accessible spaces — to ensure fairness.

Over the past two weeks, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA), and Coordination Committee of Delhi District Court Bar Associations have all passed resolutions condemning the move. Lawyers in Delhi trial courts have staged continuous protests, with the Coordination Committee of All District Courts Bar Associations going on strike from August 21 to August 27. The DHCBA also called upon members to wear black ribbons in court until the notification is withdrawn.

On August 27, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) too condemned the decision, warning that it risks creating a perception of undue influence. SCAORA emphasized that while courts are open forums, police stations are restricted spaces, raising concerns of manipulation of evidence or intimidation of witnesses.

Meanwhile, two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have already reached the Delhi High Court. One PIL, filed by a group of lawyers, has been listed for hearing on September 3, 2025. Another, filed by advocate Kapil Madan, argues that the notification violates the right to a fair trial under Article 21 of the Constitution, as it effectively allows prosecution witnesses to depose from within their own institutional stronghold.

The issue has now escalated into a confrontation between the Bar and the administration. With the Union Home Minister agreeing to meet Bar leaders, the future of the notification remains uncertain. Lawyers continue to maintain that unless the order is fully withdrawn, they will continue their protests in different forms to safeguard the sanctity of court proceedings.