Witness Protection Scheme

Question 1

What does this scheme envisage ?

Answer 1

It envisages that witnesses and Accused don’t come face to face during investigation or trial

Question 2

Does this scheme apply to the whole of India ?

Answer 2

NO , not to Jammu and Kashmir

Question 3

With whose consultation has the Witness Protection Scheme been finalised ?

Answer 3

NALSA and Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD)

Question 4

What are the new entities it seeks to establish ?

Answer 4

1) Witness Protection Fund to be created in each state to meet the expenses incurred under the scheme
2) Witness Deposition Complexes to be setup in all district courts by the States and UT’s within a year

Question 5

How many categories of witnesses are classified ?

Answer 5

3 (Category A,B,C)

Question 6

What are the provisions under each category ?

Answer 6

1) Category A - Threat extends to life of witness or his family members and their normal way of living is affected for a substantial period during investigation/trial
2) Category B - Where the threat extends to safety , reputation or property of the witness or his family members only during the investigation process/trial
3) Category C - Where the threat is moderate and extends to harassment or intimidation of the witness or his family’s members, reputation or property during investigation process