(The Gist of PIB) Witness Protection Scheme [JULY-2019]

Witness Protection Scheme

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

The Scheme provides for 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.

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 and shall comprise
of the following:
Budgetary allocation made in the Annual Budget by the State Government;
Receipt of amount of costs imposed/ ordered to be deposited by the courts/tribunals in the Witness Protection Fund;
Donations/ contributions from Philanthropist/ Charitable Institutions/ Organizations and individuals permitted by the Government.
Funds contributed under Corporate Social Responsibility.