Delhi High Court Mandates Videography of Bail Hearings Under SC/ST Act, Including Sexual Offences

The Delhi High Court has mandated the videography of bail hearings under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, including cases of sexual offences. Justice Vikas Mahajan emphasized that provisions of Section 15A(10) of the Act are mandatory, underscoring the need to protect victims' rights.

The Delhi High Court has ruled that videography of bail hearings is mandatory under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) Act, even in cases involving sexual offences. This decision was made during the hearing of a bail application by an accused in the Delhi minor rape and murder case.

Justice Vikas Mahajan stated that the provisions of Section 15A (10) of the SC/ST Act are mandatory, and the current bail proceedings must be video recorded. The judge clarified that there is no inconsistency between the mandated recording of bail proceedings and the protection of the victim's identity under Section 228A of the IPC and Section 23 of the POCSO Act.

Additional Public Prosecutor Ritesh Kumar Bahri referenced a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits the publication of the victim's identity. However, Advocate Mehmood Pracha argued that such recordings would not be accessible to the public and would only be available to the victim, ensuring their identity remains protected.

(With inputs from agencies.)