KOCHI: The government has informed the High Court that it will legislate on the protection of digital evidence of sexual assault.

The High Court had ordered a Sessions Court inquiry into the unauthorized examination of the memory card related to the actress assault case while it was in court. The guidelines for keeping such digital records were also issued along with this. This guideline was not passed on to the lower courts. When the petition filed by the government demanding to do so was considered, it was clarified that the legislation would be made based on those suggestions. Justice K Babu disposed of the petition after the High Court registrar informed that the guidelines had been passed on to the lower courts.

The government informed that the DGP has sent a letter to the police officials to follow the guidelines. Forensic laboratories were also instructed. The Home Secretary was also directed to bring in the law.

Meanwhile, the court refused to consider the actress' plea to cancel Dileep's bail in the case. The court also directed to include it tomorrow in the appropriate bench as per order.

High Court Guidelines

• Digital evidence related to sexual assault cases should be seized and stored with respect for privacy and confidentiality.
• Details should not be destroyed. Actions taken should be written in Mahasar. The evidence should be sealed in a separate package and all proceedings should be recorded.
• The names of those who packed and those authorized to keep them in custody should be written down. It should be kept in the court locker and the time should be recorded in the register.
• If someone tampers with the evidence while the evidence is in the custody of the court, the officers concerned will be held personally responsible.