SHAFHI MOHAMMAD Vs. STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard.

(2.) Use of videography for crime investigation is the issue taken up for consideration as per the order dated 25th April, 2017.

(3.) Mr. A.N.S. Nadkarni, learned Additional Solicitor General, has filed a note stating that the matter was discussed by the Union Home Secretary with the Chief Secretaries of the States. A decision was taken to constitute a Committee of Experts (COE) to facilitate and prepare a report to formulate a road-map for use of videography in crime investigation and to propose a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The Committee has held its meetings. The response of the States is in support of use of videography. The Central Investigation Agencies have also supported the said concept. However, certain reservations have been expressed in the implementation such as funding, securing the data and storage of the same. It has also been submitted that the production and admissibility of evidence are also issues which may need to be addressed.