Guardians Of Justice: Unveiling The Realities Of Witness Protection In India
- IJLLR Journal
- Aug 11, 2024
- 2 min read
Surya Prakash S, B.B.A. LL.B., (Hons), School of Excellence in Law, The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University.
Ms. Vaishali T B.A (Eng.lit)., L.L.M., NET., Ph.D (Pursuing), Assistant Professor of Law, School of Excellence in Law, The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University
ABSTRACT
Witness protection is one of the mainstays of a fair and effective criminal justice system. It is a very essential tool for protection of people who risk their lives to testify against criminal offenders. The paper "Guardians of Justice: Unveiling the Realities of Witness Protection in India" attempts an analysis of the regime pertaining to witness protection in India, its evolution over time, present status, and problems faced by it. Under the Witness Protection Scheme of 2018, the scheme's implementation, effectiveness, and practical difficulties that have been encountered in protecting witnesses are analyzed. By referring to legal frameworks—that is, the provisions in BNSS, along with the recommendations by the Law Commission—and also from the case studies and statistical data, this paper shall seek lapses and solutions. "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived," said Nelson Mandela. "It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." In this regard, effective witness protection mechanisms are very instrumental in ensuring that justice is served by saving those who can make fearless contributions toward the legal system. In view of this, the paper concludes with protection measures recommending policy reforms and citing the need for better training and coordination among agencies involved.
Keywords: Witness Protection, Witness Protection Scheme 2018, Criminal Justice System, Law Commission Reports, Legal Reforms.