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RNI No. MAHBIL /2009/35527
महाारााष्ट्र� शाासन रााजपत्र
असाधााराण भााग चाारा-क
वर्षष ११, अंक ४१] शाुक्रवारा, नोव्हांबरा २८, २०२५/अग्रहाायण ७, शाके १९४७ [पष्ृठे े6, किंकमं त : रुपय े९.००
असाधााराण क्रमांक ६०
प्रााकिंधाकृत प्राकाशान
महाारााष्ट्र शाासनाव्यकिंतरिराक्त इतरा वैधााकिंनक प्रााकिंधाकाऱ्यांनी तयारा केलेेलेे
(भााग एक, एक-अ व एक-ले यांमध्ये प्राकिंसद्ध केलेेलेे वैधााकिंनक किंनयम व आदेेशा यांव्यकिंतरिराक्त इतरा)
वैधााकिंनक किंनयम व आदेेशा; यात भाारात सराकारा, उच्चा न्यायालेय, पोलेीस आयुक्त, आयुक्त (रााज्य उत्पादेन शाुल्क),
किंजल्हाादेंडााकिंधाकाराी व किंनवडाणूक आयोग, किंनवडाणूक न्यायाकिंधाकराण, किंनवडाणूक किंनणषय अकिंधाकाराी व किंनवडाणूक आयोगाखाालेीले
इतरा प्रााकिंधाकाराी यांनी तयारा केलेेलेे वैधााकिंनक किंनयम व आदेेशा यांचाा समावेशा हाोतो.
HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
APPELLATE SIDE
NOTIFICATION
No. Rule/P.1603/Notification No.-28/2025.— The Hon’ble the Chief Justice and the Judges of
the High Court of Judicature at Bombay in exercise of powers conferred under Article 225 and 227 of
the Constitution of India and all other enabling provisions, are pleased to make the following rules :—
HIGH COURT OF BOMBAY RULES FOR VIDEO CONFERENCING FOR COURTS
(AMENDMENT) RULES, 2025
CHAPTER I – PRELIMINARY
1. These Rules shall be called the “High Court of Bombay Rules for Video Conferencing for
Courts (Amendment) Rules, 2025”.
i) These Rules shall apply to such courts or proceedings or classes of courts or proceedings
and on and from such date as the Chief Justice may appoint.
2. Definitions: Principal rules means the High Court of Bombay Rules for Video Conferencing
for Courts 2022.
3. Renumber first line of Rule 2 of the Principal Rules as (1)
4. Insert the sub-clauses (a) & (b) in clause (i) after sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Principal Rules
as follows:—
(i)(a) “Advocate’s remote point” means a place from where an advocate or advocates may
appear through a live link and shall include advocate’s chamber or office or a place within the
precincts of a Court so notified by the Principal Judge of the Court;
(i)(b) “Audio-video electronic means” shall include use of any communication device for
the purposes of video conferencing, recording of processes of identification, search and seizure
भााग चाार-क- ६०—१ (१)2 महाारााष्ट्र शाासन रााजपत्र, असाधााराण, भााग चाारा-क, नोव्हांबरा २८, २०२५/अग्रहाायण ७, शाके १९४७
or evidence, transmission of electronic communication and for such other purposes and by such
other means as the State Government may, by rules provide;
5. In clause (ii) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Principal Rules, for the words “or any other law
in force” substitute the words with “or the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023)
or any other law for the time being in force”.
6. Insert the sub-clauses (v)(a) & (v)(b) after clause (v) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Principal
Rules as follows:
v)(a) “Court Room” means the place or room enclosed space in which court proceeding are
held;
v)(b) “Designated Place” means any place designated by the State Government by notification
in the Official Gazette, as per the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 or any other law
for the time being in force.
(The Government of Maharashtra has issued notification 30.10.2024 specifying the places for
the purposes of section 265(3), 266(2) and 308 of the BNSS)
7. In clause (vii) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Principal Rules, for the word “provided”
substitute the word “approved” and insert the words “or other communication by way of audio-video
electronic means” at the end of the clause.
8. Insert the sub-clause (viii)(a) after clause (viii) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Principal
Rules as follows:
viii)(a) “High Court” means the High Court of Bombay;
9. In clause (ix) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Principal Rules for the words “by remote
communication using technology to give evidence and be cross examined” substitute the words with
“by use of video conferencing or audio-video electronic means”.
10. In clause (x) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Principal Rules, for the word “is” substitute
the word with “means” and for the word “video” substitute the word with “live” and insert the words
“and includes designated place from where submission may be made before the Court but does not
include Advocate’s remote point” at the end of the clause.
11. In clause (xi) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Principal Rules, for the words “Remote Point”
substitute the words with “designated place or Advocate’s remote point”.
12. In clause (xii)(a) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Principal Rules, for the word “the” substitute
the word with “a” and insert the words “as a witness, complainant or otherwise;” at the end of the
clause.
13. In clause (xii)(b) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Principal Rules, for the word “the” substitute
the word with “a” and insert the words “including an accused” after the word “person”.
14. In clause (xii)(c) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Principal Rules, delete the words “who
intends to examine a witness”.
15. In clause (xii)(d) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Principal Rules, insert the words “including
victim” after the word “person”.
16. In clause (xii)(e) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Principal Rules, insert the words “or other
modes of audio-video electronic means” at the end of the clause.
17. Insert two sub-rules (2) and (3) and sub-clause (3)(i) after sub-rule (1) (xiii) of Rule 2 of
the Principal Rules as follows:
(2) The words and phrases used but not defined herein shall bear the same meaning as
assigned to them in the concerned High Court Rules; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita,
2023 (BNSS); Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) and Information Technology Act,
2000 (IT Act)”.महाारााष्ट्र शाासन रााजपत्र, असाधााराण, भााग चाारा-क, नोव्हांबरा २८, २०२५/अग्रहाायण ७, शाके १९४७ 3
(3) Construction of references-
(i) Unless the context requires otherwise, any reference to the Indian Penal Code, 1860,
the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 or the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 shall include reference to
corresponding provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam,
2023 or the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 respectively.
18. In clause (i) of Rule 3 of the Principal Rules, insert the words “or audio-electronic
communication” after the word “facilities” and insert the words “– original, appellate, revisional
conducted by the Court including but not limited to examination of complainant and/or witnesses,
recording of evidence, production of accused in judicial custody or remand except for the first
appearance / production which requires physical presence, framing of charges, recording of plea,
plea bargaining, production of accused during recording of evidence, examination of accused,
pronouncement of judgment or order. Provided that an accused may be examined electronically, with
signature verification required within three working days” at the end of the clause.
19. In clause (ii) of Rule 3 of the Principal Rules, insert the words “and other modes of audio-
visual electronic communication” between the words “video conferencing” and “shall be”.
20. In clause (iii) of Rule 3 of the Principal Rules, insert the word “BNSS” between the words
“code of Criminal Procedure” and “Contempt of Courts Act, 1971” and insert the word “BSA” between
the words “Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (abbreviated hereafter as the Evidence Act)” and “Information
Technology Act, 2000 (abbreviated hereafter as the IT Act)”.
21. In clause (iii) of Rule 3 of the Principal Rules, insert the following as clause (iii-a) after
the existing clause (iii) –
(iii-a) Subject to rule 12.2, Courts shall use only the designated video software and such
secure video conferencing platform equipped with end-to-end encryption to protect data and privacy,
as may be approved by the High Court.
22. In clause (vi) of Rule 3 of the Principal Rules, insert the words “Unless expressly permitted
by the Court, no person, either at Court point or at designated place or at remote point or Advocate’s
remote point, shall record or publish the proceedings conducted by video conferencing or other modes
of audio-visual electronic communication” before the existing provision.
23. Substitute Rule 4 of the Principal Rules as follows:
4. (1) Facilities recommended for Video Conferencing
(i) Each courtroom should be equipped with a video conferencing facility to enable seamless
connectivity with stakeholders. This integration will eliminate the need to move to a separate
dedicated room for virtual hearings, ensuring efficiency, saving time, and enhancing judicial
proceedings.
(ii) A dedicated and exclusive video conferencing center should be established promptly
at each district and Tehsil level.
(iii) A dedicated space for video conferencing within police stations, prisons, prosecution
offices, forensic departments, and other designated places.
The following equipments are recommended for conducting proceedings by video conferencing
at the Court Point and the Remote Point:
Computer Desktop and Laptop
Network High-Speed internet Connection (Minimum 50 Mbps)- Ensures seamless
and Internet video transmission without lag;
Connectivity
Backup Internet Connection A secondary connection to prevent
disruptions:
Dedicated LAN/Wi-Fi Setup Ensures stable and secure connectivity;
भााग चाार-क- ६०—२4 महाारााष्ट्र शाासन रााजपत्र, असाधााराण, भााग चाारा-क, नोव्हांबरा २८, २०२५/अग्रहाायण ७, शाके १९४७
Computer Desktop and Laptop
Video Equipment High-Resolution Cameras (Full HD/4K) To capture clear video feeds of
participants:
Adjustable and Multiple Camera Angles Enables focusing on the judge,
lawyers, accused, or witnesses:
Audio Equipment Noise-Canceling Microphones Reduces background noise and ensures
clear audio transmission;
High-Quality Speakers Provides clear sound output for participants;
Echo-Cancellation and Acoustic Treatment - Enhances audio clarity by
minimizing reverberation;
Display and Large Display Screens (LED/Projectors)- For clear visibility of remote
projection participants.
Equipment
Multiple Screen Setup (Optional) – Allows simultaneous viewing of
different participants
Software and End-to-End Encrypted Video Conferencing Software - Ensures secure
Encryption communication;
Standards
Firewall and VPN Protection - Prevents unauthorized access:
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Users - Ensures identity
verification;
Secure Login Credentials for Each Session Limits access to authorized
personnel;
Recording and Court-Approved Recording Mechanism documentation of hearings;
Documentation Allows secure
Transcription Services Automated/manual transcription of court
proceedings;
Cloud or Local Storage Options Secure storage for recorded sessions,
IT Support and On-Site Technical Team Ensures quick resolution of technical issues;
Maintenance
24 x 7 Remote IT Support Provides assistance for troubleshooting:
Regular Equipment Maintenance: Ensures uninterrupted functionality
Power Backup Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) System - Prevents power outages
from disrupting proceedings;
Backup Generators - For prolonged power failures, etc.
(2) The designated video conferencing software to be approved by High Court shall
facilitate following minimum requirements:-
(i) an online, real-time collaboration software with features like video, voice, screen
sharing, document sharing, presentation, recording etc.
(ii) the solution should have a whiteboard for flashing messages and recording
meetings or sessions.
(iii) the complete access log of the different users with extended reports, including
IP/ Device details/ Application details, should be provided with each meeting room.
(iv) the platform should be hosted on an India-based data centre with a 100%
Disaster recovery site.महाारााष्ट्र शाासन रााजपत्र, असाधााराण, भााग चाारा-क, नोव्हांबरा २८, २०२५/अग्रहाायण ७, शाके १९४७ 5
(v) the platform must offer cross-platform functionality, ensuring seamless
operation across various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS, IOS etc., to
accommodate diverse technology ecosystems of all participants and guarantee a consistent
user experience regardless of the operating system used.
(vi) the platform must be scalable to multi point connectivity with 500 user logins
at a time,
(vii) the platform must provide private and confidential Breakout rooms; between
multiple users,
(viii) the platform must be capable of synchronizing and scheduling with cause list
of cases by advocates with waiting lobby and automatic pulling according to the cause list;
(ix) the platform must provide master control facility at Court’s end, recording and
archiving facility at court point, server or cloud,
(x) the platform must provide audit trail facility of the proceedings and also
provision of a firewall.
24. In sub-rule (5.4) of Rule 5 of the Principal Rules, insert the words “BNSS 2023 (Section
110 & Chapter 8) and” between the words “the provisions of the” and “Comprehensive Guidelines”.
25. In sub-rule (5.9) of Rule 5 of the Principal Rules, insert the words “or other audio-visual
electronic communication” between the words “video conferencing” and “requires”.
26. Insert clause (5.11.4) after clause (5.11.3) of sub-rule (5.11) of Rule 5 of the Principal Rules
as follows:
5.11.4 a person for reading of documents in case the person to be examined is visually
challenged.
27. In Rule 6 of the Principal Rules, insert the words after the words Video Conferencing “and
other modes of audio – visual electronic communication:”
28. Existing rule 6.1 be substituted as “Any party to the proceeding, including a Public
Prosecutor or a witness, save and except where the proceedings are initiated at the instance of the
Court, may make a request for video conferencing in the form prescribed in Schedule – II to these
rules”.
29. Insert clauses (6.1.1) & (6.1.2) after sub-rule (6.1) of Rule 6 of the Principal Rules as follows:
6.1.1 In civil cases, the court may, at its discretion or on request of any of the parties,
initiate process for hearing of any case through video conferencing and other modes of audio-
visual electronic communication.
6.1.2 An advocate may appear from Advocate’s remote point for making submissions
or for examination of witnesses.
30. In Rule 8 of the Principal Rules, insert the words after Examination of persons “and
witnesses through video conferencing and other modes of audio-visual electronic communication.”
31. In sub-rule (8.8) of Rule 8 of the Principal Rules, insert the words “read over and explain the
evidence recorded to the witness and” between the words “The Court shall” and “obtain the signature”
32. Insert the clause (8.16.1) after sub-rule (8.16) of Rule 8 of the Principal Rules as follows:
8.16.1 If the Court thinks fit, the required person may be permitted to connect through
video conferencing or other modes of audio-visual electronic communication from the place of
his residence or work:
Provided that evidence of a witness shall be recorded only from the designated place, except
in situation hereinafter provided.
33. Insert the sub-rule (8.17) after sub-rule (8.16.1) of Rule 8 of the Principal Rules as follows:6 महाारााष्ट्र शाासन रााजपत्र, असाधााराण, भााग चाारा-क, नोव्हांबरा २८, २०२५/अग्रहाायण ७, शाके १९४७
8.17 Where the Court at any stage of the proceeding is satisfied that evidence of a witness
or examination of a person or an accused cannot be effectively recorded electronically, it shall
record the same in writing and may decline to examine such witness or person or accused through
video conferencing or audio-visual communication.
34. In sub-rule (9.1) of Rule 9 of the Principal Rules, insert the words “through the designated
video conferencing software or official e-mail,” between the words “Remote Point electronically” and
“including through”
35. In sub-rule (9.2) of Rule 9 of the Principal Rules, insert the words “through the designated
video conferencing software or official e-mail,” between the words “Court Point electronically” and
“including through”
36. Substitute sub-rule (11.1) and (11.2) of Rule 11 of the Principal Rules as follows :
“11.1 The Court may, at its discretion, authorise detention of an accused, frame charges in
a criminal trial under the Code of Criminal Procedure / Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita by
video conferencing. However, ordinarily in the first instance, police remand shall not be granted
through video conferencing, save and except in exceptional circumstances for the reasons to be
recorded in writing.”
“11.2 The Court may examine a witness or an accused under Section 164 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure / Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita through video
conferencing, while observing all due precautions to ensure that the witness or the accused,
as the case may be, is free of any form of coercion, threat or undue influence. The Court may
also examine an accused under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure / Section 351 of
the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita through video conferencing. The Court shall ensure
compliance with Section 26 of the Evidence Act / Section 32 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam,
2023.”
37. In sub-rule (12.1) of Rule 12 of the Principal Rules, insert the words “or other modes of
audio-visual electronic communication” at the end of existing sub-rule.
38. Sub-rule 17.1 and 17.2 be re-numbered as Rule 18 and 19 respectively. After the Rule 19
so re-numbered insert the following as Rule 20:
“20. Practice directions. - The Chief Justice may from time to time, issue practice directions
for effective implementation of these rules”.
39. Insert the four clauses in SCHEDULE - I of the Principal Rules as follows:
11. Advocates, Required Persons, parties in person and other participants shall keep their
microphones muted till they are called upon to make submissions.
12. Background noise, unnecessary movements, and interruptions must be minimized to
maintain the decorum of judicial proceedings.
13. The use of offensive language, disrespectful behavior, or non-compliance with judicial
instructions may lead to immediate removal from the session and potential legal consequences.
14. Only court have the discretion to mute or remove any participant violating these
conduct rules.
HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE S. C. KHATI,
AT BOMBAY
Registrar General.
Date 28th November 2025
ON BEHALF OF GOVERNMENT PRINTING, STATIONERY AND PUBLICATION, PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY DIRECTOR,
RUPENDRA DINESH MORE, PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT CENTRAL PRESS, 21-A, NETAJI SUBHASH ROAD, CHARNI ROAD,
MUMBAI 400 004 AND PUBLISHED AT DIRECTORATE OF GOVERNMENT PRINTING, STATIONERY AND PUBLICATIONS,
21-A, NETAJI SUBHASH ROAD, CHARNI ROAD, MUMBAI 400 004. EDITOR : DIRECTOR, RUPENDRA DINESH MORE.