WITNESS PROTECTION SCHEME

July 11, 2019

The Odisha state government informed the state High Court that it has implemented the Centre’s Witness Protection Scheme-2018. Endorsing the Central scheme on December 5 last year, the Supreme Court had directed all States and Union Territories to implement it in letter and spirit.

About:

  • Objective: Witness Protection Scheme, 2018 provides for protection of witnesses based on the threat assessment.

  • Protection measures inter alia include: Protection/change of identity of witnesses, their relocation, installation of security devices at the residence of witnesses, usage of specially designed Court rooms, etc.

  • Three categories of witness as per threat perception:
    • Category 'A': Where the threat extends to life of witness or his family members, during investigation/trial or thereafter.

    • Category 'B': Where the threat extends to safety, reputation or property of the witness or his family members, during the investigation/trial or thereafter.

    • Category 'C': Where   the   threat   is   moderate   and   extends   to harassment or intimidation of the witness or his family member's, reputation or property, during the investigation/trial or thereafter.



  • State Witness Protection Fund: The Scheme provides for a State Witness Protection Fund for meeting the expenses of the scheme. This fund shall be operated by the Department/Ministry of Home under State/UT Government.

Source : PIB