The Delhi Government yesterday notified the Delhi Witness Protection Scheme, 2015, making it the first of its kind in India..According to the notification, the Scheme was introduced as a response to the Delhi High Court’s directions in Neelam Katara v. Union of India. In that case, the court prescribed guidelines for protecting witnesses. Ten years later, the same court in the Jessica Lal murder case directed the Delhi Government to frame a witness protection policy..Henceforth, witnesses in cases relating to offences which are punishable with death or life imprisonment or imprisonment of not less than seven years can avail of protection under the Scheme..The objective of the Scheme is to “ensure that the investigation, prosecution and trial of criminal offences is not prejudiced because witnesses are intimidated or frightened to give evidence without protection from violent or other criminal recrimination.”.Under the Scheme, the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) is the competent authority and is required to work in tandem with the Delhi Police to implement the measures laid down in the Scheme. The police is required to make a Threat Analysis Report once an application is made to the DSLSA asking for protection..The types of protection under the Scheme include in-camera proceedings, ensuring that the witness and the accused never come in contact, and relocation of the witness..There is also a provision for a Witness Protection Fund, out of which witnesses can claim financial aid.
The Delhi Government yesterday notified the Delhi Witness Protection Scheme, 2015, making it the first of its kind in India..According to the notification, the Scheme was introduced as a response to the Delhi High Court’s directions in Neelam Katara v. Union of India. In that case, the court prescribed guidelines for protecting witnesses. Ten years later, the same court in the Jessica Lal murder case directed the Delhi Government to frame a witness protection policy..Henceforth, witnesses in cases relating to offences which are punishable with death or life imprisonment or imprisonment of not less than seven years can avail of protection under the Scheme..The objective of the Scheme is to “ensure that the investigation, prosecution and trial of criminal offences is not prejudiced because witnesses are intimidated or frightened to give evidence without protection from violent or other criminal recrimination.”.Under the Scheme, the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) is the competent authority and is required to work in tandem with the Delhi Police to implement the measures laid down in the Scheme. The police is required to make a Threat Analysis Report once an application is made to the DSLSA asking for protection..The types of protection under the Scheme include in-camera proceedings, ensuring that the witness and the accused never come in contact, and relocation of the witness..There is also a provision for a Witness Protection Fund, out of which witnesses can claim financial aid.
