2019 – Posted in: Press Information Bureau

Witness Protection Scheme

(Ministry of Home Affairs)

Witness Protection Scheme, 2018 provides for the protection of witnesses based on the threat assessment and protection measures.

It includes protection/change of identity of witnesses, their relocation, installation of security devices at the residence of witnesses, usage of specially designed Courtrooms, etc.

The objective of this 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.

It aims to promote law enforcement by facilitating the protection of persons who are involved directly or indirectly in providing assistance to criminal law enforcement agencies.
It is aimed to identify a series of measures that may be adopted to safeguard witnesses and their family members from intimidation and threats against their lives, reputation, and property.

The Scheme provides for three categories of witness as per threat perception:

‘A’ Category: Where the threat extends to the life of witness or his family members, during investigation/trial or thereafter.
‘B’ Category: Where the threat extends to safety, reputation or property of the witness or his family members, during the investigation/trial or thereafter.
‘C’ Category: 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.

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

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