In a significant move to modernize judicial procedures, the Tamil Nadu government has officially designated a wide network of locations across the state where witnesses can be examined via video-conferencing. This notification is issued under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), specifically sections 265(3) and 266(2).
Extensive Network of Designated Venues
The state's notification creates a comprehensive framework for remote testimony. The primary hubs for this facility will be the Madras High Court, district court complexes, and judicial magistrate courts in various district locations. These venues are intended for crucial legal processes like cross-examinations, especially when witnesses are located far from the trial court.
To ensure accessibility and convenience, the government has gone beyond traditional courtrooms. A diverse range of government facilities have been authorized for use by all witnesses. This list includes:
- Rooms in government hospitals.
- Central prisons, district jails, and sub-jails.
- State and regional forensic science laboratories.
- District collectorates, revenue divisional offices, and taluk offices.
- Municipal corporation buildings.
Special Provisions for Government Officials and Police
The notification includes specific provisions for government personnel involved in cases. For government officials, rooms within the offices of secretaries to the government, as well as commissioners and directors of various government departments, can be utilized for giving testimony.
Furthermore, dedicated spaces have been earmarked for investigating officers, police officers, and other government servants. These individuals can use video-conferencing rooms located in district police offices, commissionerates of police, the office of the Director General of Police/Head of Police Force, and sub-divisional police offices across Tamil Nadu.
Implications for Judicial Efficiency and Access
This wide-ranging notification is poised to have a transformative impact on the state's judicial landscape. By leveraging video-conferencing technology, the Tamil Nadu government aims to reduce delays in trials caused by the logistical challenges of physically presenting witnesses. It will particularly benefit vulnerable witnesses, those residing in remote areas, or individuals whose security or health may be compromised by travel.
The move aligns with the digital governance goals under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaces the old Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). It represents a concrete step towards a more efficient, accessible, and witness-friendly justice delivery system in Tamil Nadu, setting a potential benchmark for other states to follow.
