The Inter-State Virtual Recording of Evidences of Child Witnesses in Human Trafficking Case: SC Issues Directions
Supreme Court in the matter of “IN RE: CONTAGION OF COVID 19 VIRUS IN CHILDREN PROTECTION HOMES” issued directions to the States of Assam, Bihar, and West Bengal to provide the necessary infrastructure for Video Conferencing facilities to enable the recording of testimonies of children who are either victims/ witnesses in human trafficking cases and those who are far from their residence.
Directions issued for the recording of child victims’ testimonies via video conferencing
The SC Issues directions to the Presiding Officer of Jaipur POCSO Court to record the evidence of the child witnesses and their parents through video conferencing. And, also directed to arrange a room for examination of vulnerable witnesses in the court premises on the dates and time fixed by the courts for recording the evidence.
The SC instructs the Presiding Officer of Jaipur POCSO Court to make sure that; the computer in the Court is placed in such a manner that the witness can be seen by the prosecutor, the defense counsel, and by the Presiding officer. In case, there is a need for identification of the accused arise, the camera of the witness shall be switched off and the screen is turned towards the accused person to enable the witness to identify him.
On completion of recording of evidence, the deposition shall be sent by POCSO Court via mail to the Secretary, District Legal Service Authority who shall take a printout of the same read and explain the contents to the witnesses. And the deposition shall be signed by the witness.
The Supreme Court further directs the State Governments to furnish information relating to child victims or witnesses of human trafficking who are required to depose in courts and staying far away from the place of their residence.
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