8.16.1 If the Court thinks fit, the required person may be permitted to connect through video conferencing or other modes of audio visual electronic communication from the place of his residence or work:
Provided that evidence of a witness shall be recorded only from the designated place, except in situation hereinafter provided.
33. Insert the sub-rule (8.17) after sub-rule (8.16.1) of Rule 8 of the Principal Rules as follows:
6 महाारााष्ट्र शाासन रााजपत्र, असााधाारण, भााग चाार-क, नोोव्हेंंबर २८, २०२५/अग्रहाायण ७, शकेे १९४७ ON BEHALF OF GOVERNMENT PRINTING, STATIONERY AND PUBLICATION, PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY DIRECTOR, RUPENDRA DINESH MORE, PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT CENTRAL PRESS, 21-A, NETAJI SUBHASH ROAD, CHARNI ROAD, MUMBAI 400 004 AND PUBLISHED AT DIRECTORATE OF GOVERNMENT PRINTING, STATIONERY AND PUBLICATIONS, 21-A, NETAJI SUBHASH ROAD, CHARNI ROAD, MUMBAI 400 004. EDITOR : DIRECTOR, RUPENDRA DINESH MORE.
8.17 Where the Court at any stage of the proceeding is satisfied that evidence of a witness or examination of a person or an accused cannot be effectively recorded electronically, it shall record the same in writing and may decline to examine such witness or person or accused through video conferencing or audio-visual communication.
34. In sub-rule (9.1) of Rule 9 of the Principal Rules, insert the words “through the designated video conferencing software or official e-mail,” between the words “Remote Point electronically” and “including through”
35. In sub-rule (9.2) of Rule 9 of the Principal Rules, insert the words “through the designated video conferencing software or official e-mail,” between the words “Court Point electronically” and “including through”
36. Substitute sub-rule (11.1) and (11.2) of Rule 11 of the Principal Rules as follows:
“11.1 The Court may, at its discretion, authorise detention of an accused, frame charges in a criminal trial under the Code of Criminal Procedure /Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita by video conferencing. However, ordinarily in the first instance, police remand shall not be granted through video conferencing, save and except in exceptional circumstances for the reasons to be recorded in writing.” “11.2 The Court may examine a witness or an accused under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure / Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita through video conferencing, while observing all due precautions to ensure that the witness or the accused, as the case may be, is free of any form of coercion, threat or undue influence. The Court may also examine an accused under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure / Section 351 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita through video conferencing. The Court shall ensure compliance with Section 26 of the Evidence Act / Section 32 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam,
2023.”
37. In sub-rule (12.1) of Rule 12 of the Principal Rules, insert the words “or other modes of audio-visual electronic communication” at the end of existing sub-rule.
38. Sub-rule 17.1 and 17.2 be re-numbered as Rule 18 and 19 respectively. After the Rule 19 so re-numbered insert the following as Rule 20:
“20. Practice directions. The Chief Justice may from time to time, issue practice directions for effective implementation of these rules”.
39. Insert the four clauses in SCHEDULE - I of the Principal Rules as follows:
11. Advocates, Required Persons, parties in person and other participants shall keep their microphones muted till they are called upon to make submissions.
12. Background noise, unnecessary movements, and interruptions must be minimized to maintain the decorum of judicial proceedings.
13. The use of offensive language, disrespectful behavior, or non-compliance with judicial instructions may lead to immediate removal from the session and potential legal consequences.
14. Only court have the discretion to mute or remove any participant violating these conduct rules.
HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY Date 28th November 2025 S. C. KHATI, Registrar General.