19.1 The procedure set out hereinafter in this chapter is without prejudice to the procedure indicated elsewhere in these rules where proceedings are VC (Nyay Shruti) Rules, 2025 Page 10 conducted through video conferencing or other modes of audio visual electronic communication.
19.2 The coordinator at the Court Point shall ensure that video conferencing is conducted only through a designated video conferencing software:
Provided that in the event of a technical fault or for any other sufficient cause, the Court may for reasons to be recorded in writing, permit the use of a software other than the designated video conferencing software for video conferencing in that particular proceeding:
Provided further that nothing contained in these rules shall prevent a Court, after recording its reasons in writing, from using any software other than the designated video conferencing software or other modes of audio visual electronic communication, to facilitate the hearing of cases in electronic mode.
19.3 In criminal cases, where the person to be examined is a prosecution witness, or a court witness, or a defence witness, or a person is to make submission for prosecution, or a person is to make submission for defence, the advocate for the prosecution or defence or the accused, as the case may be, shall confirm to the Court the location of the person, and the time, place and technical facilities available for such video conferencing.
19.4 If the accused is in custody and not present at the Court Point, the Court shall order a multi-point video conference between Court Point, the witness and the accused in custody to facilitate recording of the statement of the witness including medical or other experts.