The Scheme is a first step towards securing rights for witnesses and ensuring that the wheel of justice is not hampered due to witness suppression. The goal of this Scheme is to guarantee that the investigation, prosecution, and conviction of defendants are not hampered because witnesses feel intimidated or fearful of giving testimony in the absence of protection from violent or other criminal retributions. The Witness Protection Scheme protects witnesses based on dangerousness assessments and protection methods which include witness identity change, relocation, installation of security equipment at witnesses’ residences, use of specially equipped courtrooms, etc. The Home Ministry, in 2018 in consultation with the National Legal Service Authority, Bureau of Police Research & Development and the State Governments, framed the Witness Protection Scheme. The key to every case is the testimony of the witnesses, but today’s witnesses are reluctant to testify because they fear that the criminal justice system will not have adequate systems and procedures to ensure their safety. A fair trial, a right promised to all citizens of the country is not possible without the presence of witnesses.
There are no two ways over the fact that witnesses are a vital part of any criminal proceeding. The criminal justice system of each country ought to pay special regard to the persons who appear as witnesses and help the court facilitate the process of seeking justice for its people.
“ Witnesses are the eyes and ears of the courts” – Jeremy Bentham
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