Kerala High Court Permits Cross-Examination via Video Conferencing

In a landmark decision, the Kerala High Court permitted lawyers to carry out cross-examination of witnesses via video conferencing, even though the Electronic Video Linkage Rules for Courts (Kerala), 2021, do not contain a specific provision for this.

Justice V.G. Arun remarked that while such permission should not be considered an entitlement, it can be granted if there are justifiable reasons, such as health concerns. 

The Court emphasized that allowing remote cross-examination would speed up case proceedings, minimize unnecessary delays, and enhance accessibility. The ruling has been sent to the Rules Committee for possible amendments to the rules.

The case, Alex C. Joseph v State of Kerala, illustrates the increasing integration of technology in legal processes.