Delhi Lawyers Halt Work Over LG’s Notification Allowing Police to Depose From Stations

Amid recent outrage over the Lieutenant Governor's notification permitting police officers to testify via video conferencing from police stations, Delhi’s six district courts remained closed on August 25, 2025, as lawyers’ associations had announced a strike against the notification.

According to a circular issued by the Coordination Committee of All District Courts Bar Associations of Delhi after its meeting at the Tis Hazari Courts Complex on August 23, 2025, it was unanimously resolved to abstain from work.

“It has been unanimously decided to completely abstain from work on 25.08.2025 in all District Courts of Delhi against the arbitrary notification dated 13.08.2025 issued by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in defiance of the circular dated 15.07.2024 issued by the Home Secretary, Government of India,” the circular stated.

Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and in continuation of an earlier notification dated July 17, 2024, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi recently amended the schedule of designated video conferencing centres.

With this change, all police stations in Delhi have been formally declared as “designated places” for the deposition of police officers. This includes 179 territorial stations, as well as units of the Railways (8), Metro (16), Cyber (15), Crime (2), Special Cell (1), IGI Airport (2), Economic Offences Wing (1), Crimes Against Women (1), and Vigilance (1).

The measure now allows police officers to give testimony from their respective stations through video conferencing, rather than appearing physically in court.

The LG's notification stated, “In exercise of the powers conferred by the second proviso to sub-section (3) of Section 265, read with the second proviso to sub-section (2) of Section 266 and Section 308 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Act 46 of 2023), and S.O. 2506(E) dated 28 June 2024 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, and further in continuation of this Government’s notification issued vide No. F.9/71/2024/Home(G)/2053-2071 dated 17 July 2024, the Lt. Governor, Delhi, hereby amends the Schedule appended to the aforesaid Notification".

The second proviso to Section 265(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, provides that the examination of a witness can be conducted through audio-video electronic means, but only at a designated place notified by the State Government. Further, Section 308 of the BNSS, 2023 mandates that all evidence in a trial or proceeding must be recorded in the presence of the accused or, if the accused’s personal attendance is dispensed with, in the presence of their legal representative.

The LG's notification made clear that “the amendment came into force with immediate effect.”

However, the notification drew criticism from the legal fraternity.

The circular of the All District Courts Bar Associations of Delhi noted that since the impugned notification affects the public at large, demonstrations will be held on August 25, 2025, outside all court complexes in Delhi to raise awareness about what lawyers have described as an arbitrary decision.

It also warned that if the notification is not withdrawn by then, the protest would be intensified, including the possibility of a gherao of the Lieutenant Governor’s House.

Speaking to Lawbeat, V.K. Singh, Chairman of the Coordination Committee of All Delhi District Courts, said, "The notification is illegal and arbitrary.... It is contrary to the earlier notification that had been passed. Everyone stands with us, including the Bar Council of India, the Delhi High Court Bar Association and the Supreme Court Bar Association..."

Advocate Neeraj, spokesperson for the Coordination Committee of All District Courts Bar Associations of Delhi, said the notification is illegal and arbitrary as it strikes at the very foundation of a free and fair trial. "This has wider implications; it could undermine the criminal justice delivery system itself," he said.

The Coordination Committee also acknowledged the resolutions of the Delhi High Court Bar Association as well as the Supreme Court Bar Association, both showing solidarity with this cause.

Recently, the Executive Committee of the Delhi High Court Bar Association condemned the notification.

“The Executive Committee of the Delhi High Court Bar Association is of the firm view that the said notification ought to be withdrawn as it is against the basic tenets of justice and the principle of fair trial. Its implementation will jeopardise the trial process and adversely impact the outcome of such trials,” the Delhi High Court Bar Association said.

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) also strongly condemned the notification issued by the Lieutenant Governor.

In a statement released by its President and Executive Committee, the SCBA described the move as “arbitrary, unlawful, and against the principles of natural justice". The Association warned that the measure not only undermines the sanctity of judicial proceedings but also compromises the fairness of the process.

The SCBA expressed grave concern that the notification could have far-reaching implications on the independence of the judiciary and the fair administration of justice. It also cautioned that such a step was against the larger public interest. Calling the notification a direct affront to the rule of law, the SCBA urged immediate withdrawal of the order. The Association emphasized that courtrooms and judicial oversight form an essential safeguard in the evidentiary process, and shifting it to police stations would erode public confidence in judicial institutions.

Bar leaders claimed the notification undermines fair trial standards and warned of an indefinite agitation if their demands are not met.

The strike disrupted court functioning across the capital, with several proceedings adjourned. While urgent custody matters were heard, most trial hearings were deferred.

Representatives of the Coordination Committee of All District Bar Associations of Delhi defended the strike, citing concerns over the integrity of trials. Advocates argued that permitting police officers to depose virtually from police stations compromised transparency and created scope for external prompting of witnesses.

Circular- The Coordination Committee of All District Courts Bar Associations of Delhi

Date: August 25, 2025