After lawyers protest, Delhi Police says its officers will go to courts for deposition/evidence

The Delhi Police on Monday issued a circular stating that its officers would appear physically before trial courts for deposition and evidence.

"In partial modification of the earlier letter no.9860-72/CP Sectt/PHQ dated 04.09.2025, it is hereby directed that in all criminal trials, all police officers/personnel shall physically appear before the Hon'ble Courts for the purpose of deposition/evidence. This has the approval of Commissioner of Police, Delhi," the circular stated.

Lawyers practising in the capital's trial courts have been protesting the Delhi Police's decision to designate all police stations in the National Capital Territory as “places for the purpose of presenting evidence and deposing before courts through video conferencing by police personnel only.”

The notification was issued on August 13, after which lawyers abstained from work between August 22 and August 28. 

The strike was suspended after the Delhi Police withdrew the notification and Home Minister Amit Shah agreed to meet the agitating lawyers. 

However, on September 4, the Delhi Police issued the notice again, allowing formal police witnesses to be examined through video conferencing. The notification further said that if the defence requested the physical presence of a police witness, the presiding judge could consider it on the merits and allow the examination in physical mode.

[Read Delhi Police Circular]