Headline
The Delhi High Court ordered that bail proceedings must be video recorded under SC/ST Act , including sexual Offenses.
Summary
The Delhi High Court held that all proceedings of all offenses under the SC/ST Act, including bail proceedings including sexual offenses, must be video recorded, with compliance with Section 15A(10) of the Act. The Delhi High Court also shed light on the fact that video recordings do not violate laws protecting the victim’s identity.
Key Facts
- Case Name: Laxmi Narayan vs. State NCT of Delhi
- Judge Name: Justice Vikas Mahajan
- The accused,Laxmi Narayan was charged with rape and murder under IPC, POCSO Act, and SC/ST Act.
- The Delhi High Court rejected the concerns about video recording breaching victim anonymity.
Legal Insights
The Delhi High Court asserted that Section 15A(10) of the SC/ST Act applies to all proceedings, also bail, with no exceptions for sexual offenses, and does not clash with other privacy safeguards .
Impact
This Delhi High Court’s ruling mandates video recording in SC/ST Act cases, even those involving sensitive sexual crimes, focussing on victim rights with procedural transparency.
Why it Matters
It strengthens procedural protection for victims of SC/ST atrocities, upholding both transparency and privacy of victims , without compromising justice or victim protection.
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