Use electronic means to give evidence in courts: Haryana chief secretary

Public employees in Haryana have been instructed by the government to submit evidence and testify in court electronically. The directions comply with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which uses contemporary audio-video technology to make it easier to examine witnesses and present in court.

According to a communication from Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, officials must proactively coordinate with the court officer overseeing the video conferencing facility or the public prosecutor in question to ensure that their testimony is executed smoothly. Rastogi stated that any laxity or non-compliance will be dealt with seriously.

A government officer or official must obtain prior authorization from their head of office and provide specific grounds and justification for their appearance if a court requires their physical presence in order to offer evidence. The head of the office must determine whether physical attendance is required and make sure that permissions are not habitually or automatically provided. Travel Allowance (TA) and Dearness Allowance (DA) will be denied for unapproved physical appearances, and disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with applicable service rules.