Lucknow: The process of recording witness statements during police investigations in Uttar Pradesh will now have to follow stricter transparency standards. In compliance with an Allahabad High Court order dated July 30, 2026, Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna has issued detailed guidelines to all Police Commissioners, Senior Superintendents of Police and Superintendents of Police across the state. Under the new directions, investigating officers cannot alter the substance of a witness statement by adding their own words. The statement must be recorded in the same language or dialect used by the witness, while preserving its original meaning and intent. Any violation could lead to action against both the investigating officer and the supervisory officer.
The police headquarters has specifically directed investigators to avoid leading questions while recording statements under Section 180 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Investigators may ask questions where clarification of a particular fact is necessary, but they cannot suggest answers or prompt witnesses to make statements that strengthen the case against an accused.
Focus on the Witness’s Actual Statement
The primary objective of the new guidelines is to prevent discrepancies between what a witness actually says and what is subsequently recorded in the case diary. Police personnel will have to ensure that the original meaning, context and substance of a witness’s statement remain intact.
The directions were issued following observations made by the High Court during proceedings in the case of Atish alias Krishnakant vs State of Uttar Pradesh, concerning Bhanpur police station in Lalitpur district. During the hearing, the court found significant differences between the audio-video recorded statements of the victim and his wife and the statements recorded in the case diary by the investigating officer.
The court took note of the discrepancy and directed that clear instructions be issued to the police to ensure that statements of witnesses are recorded accurately and without unauthorized additions or alterations.
Digital Evidence to Be Properly Recorded
The DGP’s directions also place significant emphasis on preserving digital evidence generated during investigations. Digital evidence and videography conducted during searches, seizures, inspections and other police actions will have to be uploaded through the e-Sakshya app. Where required, the digital evidence will also be linked to the relevant FIR.
The objective is to maintain a systematic record of electronic and digital material collected during an investigation so that it remains available for subsequent judicial proceedings. Police personnel will be required to follow the prescribed procedure for recording, preserving and uploading such evidence.
Forensic Examination Mandatory in Serious Offences
The guidelines also require forensic examination of crime scenes in offences punishable with imprisonment of seven years or more. In such cases, forensic experts will be required to inspect the scene, while photography and videography will also be conducted.
The measure is aimed at strengthening the use of scientific evidence in criminal investigations and preserving important details from crime scenes. Police headquarters has also directed that workshops be organised for investigating officers and other personnel at police stations. These sessions will cover provisions of the new criminal laws, procedures for recording witness statements, digital evidence and forensic investigation protocols.
Action for Concealing Cases During Passport Verification
The guidelines also address police verification for passport applications. While submitting reports through the Passport Seva portal, police personnel will be required to disclose details of all criminal cases registered against an applicant along with their current status.
Any officer found concealing a criminal case or submitting an incorrect verification report could face disciplinary action. These directions follow the High Court’s order in Jatin Kumar vs State of Uttar Pradesh and Others. Officers have been instructed to thoroughly verify available records before submitting passport verification reports.
The new directions are intended to strengthen transparency and accountability in police investigations across Uttar Pradesh. By placing greater emphasis on the actual statements of witnesses, preservation of digital evidence and scientific examination of crime scenes, the guidelines seek to reduce the scope for manipulation or procedural lapses. They also make it clear that responsibility can be fixed when investigators or supervisory officers fail to follow the prescribed procedures.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
