Yes, an accused can generally demand that their trial be held in open court in Delhi, since Section 327 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (corresponding to the earlier Section 327 of the Code of Criminal Procedure) establishes open court proceedings as the default rule for criminal trials, reflecting the fundamental principle that public scrutiny of judicial proceedings serves as an important safeguard against arbitrary or unfair conduct of trials.

This right to an open trial reflects broader constitutional principles under Article 21 guaranteeing fair procedure, since public access to court proceedings allows for transparency, deters potential judicial or procedural impropriety, and ensures that justice is not just done but is seen to be done, benefiting both the accused and the broader public interest in maintaining confidence in the criminal justice system.

However, this right to open trial is not absolute, since the same provision empowers courts to conduct proceedings in camera, meaning closed to the public, in specific circumstances such as cases involving sexual offences, particularly against minors, or other situations where the court determines that public proceedings would cause genuine harm to a victim's privacy or dignity, or otherwise compromise the interests of justice, meaning courts balance the general preference for openness against these legitimate countervailing concerns.

If you believe your trial is being improperly conducted in a closed setting without adequate justification, or conversely if you have legitimate concerns warranting closed proceedings, it is important to raise this with the court through experienced counsel who can properly frame the relevant arguments. Consulting the team at Aapka Legal Advice can help you understand and assert your rights regarding open or closed proceedings in your Delhi criminal case.

Given the nuanced balance between the general right to open trial and legitimate exceptions, obtaining a second opinion from a retired judge on how this principle applies to your specific case can provide valuable clarity. Delhi's experienced criminal lawyers and retired judges, available through Aapka Legal Advice's Delhi criminal lawyer directory, regularly advise clients on these procedural matters.

In conclusion, an accused in Delhi can indeed generally demand that their trial be conducted in open court, though this right operates alongside recognised exceptions where courts may appropriately restrict public access to protect other important interests.