Chandigarh, May 16 – The Haryana Government has directed the adoption of video conferencing facilities in the proceedings of Commissions and Authorities functioning as quasi-judicial bodies across the state.
In a letter addressed to all concerned Administrative Secretaries and Heads of the Departments, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi stated that the Department of Administration of Justice has notified the establishment of Designated Conferencing Facilities. These facilities will now be utilized for the appearance of government officials via video conference in all commissions and authorities functioning as quasi-judicial bodies.
This move aligns with the provisions of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 such as Section 336 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Evidence of public servants, experts, police officers in certain cases), and Section 530 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Trial and proceedings to be held in electronic mode). Additionally, the Supreme Court of India, in Civil Appeal Nos. 23-24 of 2024 in Special Leave to Appeal (C) Nos. 8575-8576 of 2023, titled “The State of Uttar Pradesh and Others Vs. Association of Retired Supreme Court and High Court Judges at Allahabad and Others”, has formulated a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that also promotes the appearance of government officials through video conference.
The letter further stated that the use of video conferencing facilities be adopted in Haryana Human Rights Commission, Haryana State Commission for Women, Haryana Backward Classes Commission, Haryana Scheduled Castes Commission, Haryana Right to Service Commission, State Information Commission, Haryana and State Police Complaint Authority, Haryana.
Officials have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with these guidelines. Any deviation or laxity in implementation will be viewed seriously by the state government, the letter added.
