WITNESS PROTECTION

AUTHOR – YATENDRE DHANKAR & VIJAY ARORA

STUDENTS AT GURU GOBIND SINGH INDRAPRASTHA UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – YATENDRE DHANKAR & VIJAY ARORA, WITNESS PROTECTION, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (13) OF 2025, PG. 337-341, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT

The criminal justice system in India, much like in many parts of the world, relies heavily on the testimony of witnesses to ensure the fair and just prosecution of offenders. Witnesses play a pivotal role in the judicial process, providing crucial evidence that can substantiate or refute allegations, thus helping to establish the truth.

However, the position of a witness, particularly in high-stakes or high-profile cases, is fraught with numerous challenges and risks. In recent years, the issue of witness protection has garnered significant attention within legal and academic circles in India. The safety and security of witnesses are paramount, not only for the integrity of individual cases but also for the overall trust in the judicial system.

Despite various efforts and initiatives to safeguard witnesses, there remain substantial gaps and challenges that need to be addressed comprehensively. This aims to explore the multifaceted challenges faced by witnesses under the witness protection programs in India. It delves into the historical context and evolution of legal reforms pertaining to witness protection, assesses the infrastructure and resources allocated to these programs, and identifies the legal ambiguities and gaps that hinder their effectiveness.

Keywords- Witness protection, Witness protection program, Witness protection scheme