Examination of witnesses in criminal cases through video conferencing is:

Praful B. Desai held that testimony in a criminal case can be recorded by video conference with appropriate safeguards, including the ability of the accused/counsel to observe and cross-examine. Physical presence in the courtroom is not the only legally possible presence. The witness or accused does not have an unrestricted unilateral option to dictate that procedure.

Current law: BNSS section 530 expressly allows trials, inquiries and proceedings, including witness examination and evidence recording, through electronic mode or audio-video means. Fair-hearing safeguards remain; section 531 saves older pending proceedings.