National Security Guard (NSG) commandos will depose on video in the 26/11 trial, with the Bombay High Court today accepting the guidelines suggested by the Centre. The court, however, turned down the suggestion of recording evidence of two commandos by affidavit.

M L Tahaliyani, special judge in the 26/11 trial, has summoned Lt Col Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Major Ravindra Prakash and Captain Anil Jakhad on November 9, so that they can testify on the operations they carried out against the 26/11 attackers. The Centre moved High Court against the summons but the court refused to recall the special judge’s order, though it agreed to restrict the cross-examination. The Centre submitted a four-point guideline and a division bench of Justice J N Patel and Justice Amjad Sayed agreed on video-conferencing.

Among the suggested guidelines submitted by Additional Solicitor General Darius Khambatta, one was that Sharma’s evidence be limited to whether or not he killed any terrorist at Oberoi Hotel, and that no questions be allowed on the NSG’s anti-terror techniques, weapons, communications or training. Another suggestion was that the evidence of Prakash and Jakhad be restricted to the production and seizure of material at the Colaba police station and that this be recorded by way of affidavit. The Centre also wanted the commandos’ photos and addresses kept confidential. If the special judge summons more commandos, the Centre wanted permission for the special public prosecutor to approach the High Court.

Khambatta said the guidelines have been accepted more or less, except for the suggestion on deposition by affidavit.

... contd.