Except as otherwise expressly provided, all evidence taken in the course of the trial or other proceeding shall be taken in the presence of the accused, or, when his personal attendance is dispensed with, in the presence of his pleader:

   ¹[Provided that where the evidence of a woman below the age of eighteen years who is alleged to have been subjected to rape or any other sexual offence, is to be recorded, the court may take appropriate measures to ensure that such woman is not confronted by the accused while at the same time ensuring the right of cross-examination of the accused.]

   Explanation.—In this section, “accused” includes a person in relation to whom any proceeding under Chapter VIII has been commenced under this Code.

STATE AMENDMENT

Gujarat

   In the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (hereinafter referred to as “the principal Act”), in section 273, after the words “in the presence of his pleader”, the words “or, as the case may be, through the medium of Electronic Video Linkage when the court on its own motion or on an application so directs in the interests of justice” shall be added.

[Vide Gujarat Act 31 of 2017, s. 2]

Jharkhand

Amendment of Section 273.-In section 273 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, in its application to the State of Jharkhand:-

   (i)  After the words “All evidence taken in the course of the trial or other proceeding shall be taken in the presence of the accused,” the word “either in person or through the medium of electronic video linkage” shall be inserted.

[Vide Jharkhand Act 2 of 2016, s. 3]