Child not to see accused at the time of testifying
Full Text
(1) The Special Court shall ensure that the child is not exposed in anyway to the accused at the time of recording of the evidence, while at the same time ensuring that the accused is in a position to hear the statement of the child and communicate with his advocate.
(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), the Special Court may record the statement of a child through video conferencing or by utilising single visibility mirrors or curtains or any other device.
Plain English Summary
Mandates shielding the child witness from direct visual contact with the accused during deposition via video conferencing, single-visibility mirrors, or curtains, while preserving the accused right to hear and instruct counsel.
Key Legal Elements
- Complete shielding of child from seeing or being exposed to accused during testimony
- Accused simultaneous right to hear child statement and confer with defence advocate
- Utilization of video conferencing, single-visibility mirrors, curtains, or partition devices
Practical Note
Strictly enforced through Vulnerable Witness Deposition Complexes (VWDCs) established pursuant to Supreme Court directives in Smruti Tukaram Badade (2022). The accused can see and hear through audio-video link or screen, but the child is protected from visual intimidation.
हिंदी पाठ
(1) विशेष न्यायालय यह सुनिश्चित करेगा कि साक्ष्य अभिलिखित करते समय बालक किसी भी प्रकार से अभियुक्त के सामने न आए (उसे न देखे), साथ ही यह भी सुनिश्चित करेगा कि अभियुक्त बालक का कथन सुनने और अपने अधिवक्ता से बातचीत करने की स्थिति में हो।
(2) उपधारा (1) के प्रयोजनों के लिए, विशेष न्यायालय वीडियो कॉन्फ्रेंसिंग के माध्यम से अथवा एकतरफा दृश्य दर्पणों (सिंगल विजिबिलिटी मिरर), पर्दों या किसी अन्य साधन का उपयोग करके बालक का कथन अभिलिखित कर सकेगा।