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  • Recording of Victim Statements Under Section 183 BNSS - Main points and insights:
  • Section 183 BNSS allows for the recording of a victim’s statement during investigation, which can be done via video linkage as per Kerala's Filing Rules (Linkage Rules, Rules 3, 6, 11) ["2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 2990"].
  • Several judgments confirm that statements under Section 183 BNSS can be recorded through video linkage, especially when the witness/victim is abroad or unable to attend physically ["2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 2990"], ["2025 Supreme(Online)(J&K) 1560"].
  • Courts have held that victim statements recorded under Section 183 BNSS are admissible and can be made via video linkage, provided procedural safeguards are followed ["2025 Supreme(Online)(J&K) 1560"], ["2026 Supreme(Online)(Ori) 252"].
  • The Kerala Filing Rules explicitly empower the use of electronic video linkage at all stages of proceedings, including recording statements ["2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 2990"].
  • The courts have also recognized that victim statements under BNSS, including Section 183, are vital for case proceedings and can be recorded remotely, such as in cases involving victims abroad or unable to appear physically ["2025 Supreme(Online)(Kar) 35142"].

  • Analysis and Conclusion:

  • Based on the Kerala Filing Rules and judicial precedents, a statement of a victim under Section 183 BNSS can be recorded through video linkage, aligning with the provisions of the Linkage Rules which authorize such remote proceedings ["2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 2990"].
  • The courts have consistently upheld the legality of recording victim statements via video linkage, especially when the victim is unavailable in person, ensuring procedural fairness and adherence to statutory provisions ["2025 Supreme(Online)(J&K) 1560"], ["2026 Supreme(Online)(Ori) 252"].
  • Therefore, under Kerala rules and jurisprudence, a victim's statement under Section 183 BNSS can be validly recorded through video linkage, subject to court discretion and procedural compliance ["2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 2990"].

References:- ["2025 Supreme(Online)(J&K) 1560"]- ["2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 2990"]- ["2025 Supreme(Online)(Kar) 35142"]- ["2026 Supreme(Online)(Ori) 252"]

Recording Victim Statements Under BNSS Section 183(6) via Video Linkage in Kerala

Can BNSS Sec 183(6) Victim Statements Use Video Linkage in Kerala?

In an era where technology is reshaping judicial processes, questions about remote recording of sensitive statements are increasingly common. Can a statement of a victim under Section 183(6) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, be recorded through Video Linkage Rules in Kerala? This is a critical query for legal practitioners, victims' advocates, and those navigating criminal proceedings in the state.

Modern laws like BNSS emphasize victim protection and efficient justice delivery. Section 183(6) BNSS deals with the recording of victim or witness statements during investigations, often to capture accurate, tamper-proof accounts. With Kerala's progressive adoption of electronic means, video linkage offers a trauma-minimizing alternative. This post explores the legal permissibility, backed by statutes, rules, and precedents. Note: This is general information, not specific legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer for your case.

Understanding Section 183(6) of BNSS

Section 183 of BNSS governs the recording of statements by police or magistrates. Specifically, subsection (6) allows magistrates to record statements of victims, particularly in cases involving vulnerable individuals, to ensure reliability and prevent coercion. 2017 2 Supreme 643 highlights that Recording witness statements has multiple benefits: it captures nuances of demeanour and detail that written summaries might miss; it deters coercion or tutoring of witnesses; and it creates a precise record that can be used to verify the witness’s testimony in court.

Traditional in-person recordings can be distressing for victims. Enter video linkage: a method using audio-video electronic means, explicitly endorsed under BNSS Sections 180 and 183. 2017 2 Supreme 643

Kerala's Video Linkage Framework

Kerala's judiciary has pioneered digital proceedings. The Kerala Rules for Video Conferencing2024 0 Supreme(Ker) 1621 provide detailed protocols for remote examinations, including statements at Remote Points. Key provisions include:

  • Audio-video recording of examined persons, preserved as encrypted master copies with hash values retained by the court. 2024 0 Supreme(Ker) 1621
  • Rule 8(19) allows courts to direct privacy measures at a witness's request, ideal for victims.
  • Procedures for signatures, security, and confidentiality ensure admissibility.

Recently, the Electronic Audio-Video Linkage Rules (Kerala), 20252025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 58349 were approved under Section 530 BNSS. These rules apply to High Courts, District Courts, and tribunals, deeming electronic proceedings as judicial ones. They mandate confidentiality, security, and visibility/audibility for participants, facilitating remote evidence recording. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 58349

These rules explicitly authorize recording statements via electronic video linkage, aligning perfectly with Section 183(6) BNSS needs.

Judicial Endorsement: Supreme Court Precedents

The Supreme Court has firmly supported video conferencing for evidence. In State of Maharashtra v. Praful B. Desai (2003)2021 0 Supreme(Ker) 885, it held: Video conferencing is an advancement in science and technology which permits one to see, hear and talk with someone far away, with the same facility and ease as if he is present before you i.e., in your presence. Such recordings follow procedure established by law. 2021 0 Supreme(Ker) 885

This extends to criminal cases, including witness statements under CrPC equivalents in BNSS. 2019 4 Supreme 685 reinforces remote recording for material witnesses, even foreign ones, under Sections 284/285 CrPC and Evidence Act Section 3.

Application to Victim Statements Under Section 183(6)

Yes, victim statements under Section 183(6) BNSS may be recorded via Kerala's Video Linkage Rules, subject to procedural compliance. Here's why:

  • Statutory Backing: BNSS explicitly permits audio-video means. 2017 2 Supreme 643
  • State Rules: Kerala protocols cover remote statements with safeguards. 2024 0 Supreme(Ker) 1621
  • Judicial Flexibility: Courts can direct video linkage for vulnerable victims to minimize trauma.

Recent cases illustrate Section 183 statements' routine use, often supporting bail or defenses where victims confirm voluntary actions. For instance:

While these don't specify video, they align with electronic recording's benefits, as victims' demeanour and details are preserved accurately. 2017 2 Supreme 643

Safeguards and Procedural Requirements

To ensure validity:

  1. Consent and Court Direction: Witness consent and court order required.
  2. Technical Standards: Clear audio-video, encryption, hash values. 2024 0 Supreme(Ker) 1621
  3. Privacy Measures: Screens, pseudonyms for victims. 2024 0 Supreme(Ker) 1621
  4. Record Preservation: Master copies as court records.
  5. Admissibility: Treated as per Evidence Act, with cross-examination rights intact. 2021 0 Supreme(Ker) 885

The 2025 Rules emphasize fairness and security in electronic trials. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 58349

Benefits for Victims and Justice System

  • Trauma Reduction: Victims avoid court travel/confrontation.
  • Accuracy: Captures non-verbal cues, deterring tutoring. 2017 2 Supreme 643
  • Accessibility: Useful for remote or vulnerable victims.
  • Efficiency: Speeds investigations, as seen in cases where prompt Section 183 recordings clarified facts. 2022 Supreme(Online)(KER) 32576

Other precedents affirm bail principles, noting statements' role without needing custodial interrogation. 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 543 2025 0 Supreme(HP) 455

Potential Challenges and Best Practices

Challenges include technical glitches or privacy breaches, but rules mitigate these via protocols. Courts typically ensure:

  • Real-time monitoring.
  • Backup recordings.
  • Post-recording verification.

Legal teams should petition magistrates early, citing Kerala Rules and Praful Desai. 2021 0 Supreme(Ker) 885

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Kerala's robust framework—BNSS provisions, Video Conferencing Rules 2024 0 Supreme(Ker) 1621, 2025 Linkage Rules 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 58349, and Supreme Court backing 2021 0 Supreme(Ker) 885—generally permits recording victim statements under Section 183(6) BNSS via video linkage. This advances justice while protecting rights.

Key Takeaways:- Permissible: Yes, with safeguards. 2024 0 Supreme(Ker) 1621 2017 2 Supreme 643- Supported by Judiciary: Praful B. Desai affirms legality. 2021 0 Supreme(Ker) 885- Victim-Centric: Enhances protection and accuracy.- Procedural Compliance Essential: Follow rules for admissibility.

Stay informed on evolving tech in law. For case-specific guidance, seek professional advice.

References

  1. 2017 2 Supreme 643: BNSS electronic recording benefits.
  2. 2024 0 Supreme(Ker) 1621: Kerala Video Conferencing Rules.
  3. 2021 0 Supreme(Ker) 885: Praful B. Desai judgment.
  4. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 58349: 2025 Audio-Video Linkage Rules.
  5. Various cases on Section 183 statements: 2025 Supreme(Online)(Kar) 39801, 2025 Supreme(Online)(Raj) 14665, etc.
#BNSSVideoRecording, #KeralaLaw, #VictimStatements
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