The Rajasthan High Court has granted permission for six individuals accused in multiple cases to attend their ongoing criminal trials via video conferencing. The court noted that requiring their physical presence in multiple courts simultaneously was impractical and could cause unnecessary delays.
Justice Farjand Ali, presiding over the case, referred to Section 273 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and stated that there is no legal restriction preventing an accused from being represented by their counsel. The court emphasized that in circumstances where personal appearance is not mandatory, trials should proceed with legal representation instead.
"It is not feasible for an accused to be present at multiple locations at the same time. In such situations, their absence leads to adjournments, delaying proceedings unnecessarily."
The court also pointed out that states like Gujarat and Jharkhand have already amended their laws to allow accused individuals to attend court proceedings through electronic video linkage. However, Rajasthan has not yet implemented such amendments.
The High Court urged the State Government to consider modifying the CrPC to accommodate video conferencing for accused persons under judicial custody. This would help:
- Prevent unnecessary delays in trials.
- Ensure efficient judicial processes.
- Reduce logistical challenges in transporting accused individuals from jail to court.
- Enhance security and law enforcement efficiency.
"In cases where the accused is in judicial custody and personal presence is not mandatory, the trial should proceed in the presence of legal counsel. Where presence is necessary, jail authorities must facilitate video conferencing."
Read also: Rajasthan High Court Gets Four New Judges as Centre Approves Appointments
Case Background
The six accused in this case were booked under multiple FIRs related to financial crimes, leading to 259 cases across various districts in Rajasthan. The court acknowledged that delays caused by the accused’s non-appearance were a serious concern.
Given the circumstances, the High Court ruled in favor of allowing the accused to attend proceedings via video conferencing. The State authorities were directed to make necessary arrangements at the Central Jail to facilitate virtual participation in trials.
Read also: Rajasthan High Court: Imminent Threat to Public Peace Essential for Action Under Section 145 CrPC
Additionally, the court stated that this ruling would apply to all ongoing and future cases with similar circumstances, setting a legal precedent for future trials involving multiple cases against a single accused.
Title: Vikram Singh Indroi & Ors. v State of Rajasthan & Ors.
