The Uttar Pradesh government notified the Uttar Pradesh e-Evidence Management Rules, 2026, and the Uttar Pradesh Electronic Process (Issuance, Service and Execution) Rules, 2026 on 5 May 2026. This administrative framework operationalizes India’s new criminal codes: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). The rules create a standardized, scientific methodology for the law enforcement agencies and judicial officers to collect, preserve, and present electronic records in courts. This shift addresses structural delays in the criminal justice system by digitizing critical procedural steps.
Uttar Pradesh e-Evidence Management Rules, 2026
The framework provides legal and technical protocols for handling digital evidence during investigations and trials.
Mandated Digital Procedures
- Standardized Collection: Law enforcement must use dedicated applications like the National Informatics Centre developed e-Sakshya mobile application to capture crime scenes.
- Integrity of Data: The rules command mandatory audio-video recording of searches, seizures, and recoveries directly under Section 105 of the BNSS.
- Device Handling: Procedures govern the extraction and storage of data from digital storage units, mobile phones, emails, and cloud systems to avoid data tampering.
- Time-Bound Verification: Signatures and data uploaded via the digital portals must undergo validation within 72 hours of generation.
Uttar Pradesh Electronic Process Rules, 2026
This regulation focuses on removing administrative friction in judicial communication by legalizing paperless channels.
Core Digital Implementations
- Electronic Summons and Warrants: Courts can issue, authenticate, and serve summons and warrants using certified electronic signatures.
- Multi-Channel Delivery: Legal notices can be delivered through official emails, validated mobile numbers, and encrypted messaging applications.
- Mandatory Contact Registration: Investigating officers must record verified digital identifiers like emails and phone numbers of the accused and witnesses during the preliminary inquiry.
- Automation Systems: The state cabinet approved an automated e-summons tracking framework integrated into the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) for all ongoing and pending litigations.
Statutory Interface with New Criminal Codes
The state regulations derive authority from and supplement the provisions of India’s uniform criminal laws.
| State Rule Component | Corresponding Central Provision | Operational Objective |
| Audio-video recording of search and seizure | Section 105, BNSS | Prevents false implications and ensures foolproof evidence. |
| Electronic trial and inquiry | Section 530, BNSS | Allows virtual examination of complainants and witnesses. |
| Digital deposition of public servants | Section 254, BNSS | Eliminates delays caused by the transfer or unavailability of official witnesses. |
| Examination of accused in custody | Section 316, BNSS | Permits remote presence of inmates via encrypted video channels. |
| Primary admissibility of electronic records | Section 57 & 61, BSA | Equates electronic documentation with physical paper evidence. |
Implementation Metrics and Infrastructure
The transition to digital judicial processes requires targeted institutional capacity building.
Performance Status
Data from April 2026 indicates that statewide e-evidence usage averaged 46.6 percent, while e-summons execution reached 86 percent. The state administration aims for full implementation across all district courts.
Training and AI Adaptation
The Uttar Pradesh Police organized specialized training workshops in April 2026 to sensitize ground-level officers on e-Sakshya procedures. Furthermore, police departments are introducing Speech-to-Text Artificial Intelligence modules to expedite witness statement recording under Section 180 of the BNSS, replacing manual typing.
IASPOINT Booster Facts for UPSC
- Constitutional Provision: The High Court of Judicature at Allahabad framed the baseline guidelines under Article 225 of the Constitution of India, which grants High Courts power to make rules concerning court procedures.
- Technical Safeguards: The e-Evidence rules specify that only government-approved, secure communication platforms featuring end-to-end encryption can be used for virtual court hearings.
- Remote Points: The rules introduce the concept of “Designated Places” and “Remote Points,” which include e-Sewa Kendras and Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres, ensuring witnesses do not need to face the accused physically.
- Accountability: Failure to comply with the mandatory video recording of crime scenes under Rule 18 of the Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Rules invites direct disciplinary proceedings against the delinquent investigating officer.
- Admissibility Standard: Electronic evidence handled under these rules must fulfill the criteria established under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, preserving the chain of custody.