India's Section 398 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita obligates states to develop a Witness Protection Scheme, ensuring witness safety
The legal definition of "witness" is broad, typically referring to anyone "supposed to be acquainted" with the facts of a case as per Section 161 CrPC
Witness protection is vital due to the risks they face, as underscored by the Supreme Court in Swaran Singh vs. State of Punjab (2000), emphasizing the importance of reliable and safe testimony
Witness protection is vital due to the risks they face, as underscored by the Supreme Court in Swaran Singh vs. State of Punjab (2000), emphasizing the importance of reliable and safe testimony
Proposals like the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2003, sought to strengthen witness security, though significant progress was made only after the Supreme Court's intervention in 2018
Proposals like the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2003, sought to strengthen witness security, though significant progress was made only after the Supreme Court's intervention in 2018
The Scheme operates through applications for protection, where witnesses or concerned officials request security measures based on perceived threats
After receiving an application, the police conduct a detailed threat analysis, categorizing the threat level and suggesting protective measures ranging from anonymity to emergency police protection