Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Section 254
Evidence for prosecution
(1) On the date so fixed, the Judge shall proceed to take all such evidence as may be produced in support of the prosecution: Provided that evidence of a witness under this sub-section may be recorded by audio-video electronic means.
(2) The deposition of evidence of any public servant may be taken through audio-video electronic means.
(3) The Judge may, in his discretion, permit the cross-examination of any witness to be deferred until any other witness or witnesses have been examined or recall any witness for further cross-examination.
Why this exists
This lays down how the prosecution's case is actually proved in court - through sworn testimony that the defence gets to test. BNSS's addition of video recording of evidence (especially for public servants like doctors or forensic experts) reflects modern efforts to save time and avoid repeated travel to court. The flexibility to defer cross-examination helps manage complex trials with many witnesses. It corresponds to section 231 of the earlier Code of Criminal Procedure.