In a major step toward implementing the three new Criminal Laws by launching the Haryana Witness Protection Scheme, 2025, with a focus to ensure the safety and security of witnesses, particularly in cases involving serious crimes.
A notification for the scheme has been issued by the Home Department. It will apply to cases where the offence is punishable with death, life imprisonment, or a jail term of seven years or more. The scheme also covers specific offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Under the scheme, witnesses will be categorized based on the level of threat they face. Category A includes threats to life, Category B covers threats to safety, reputation, or property, and Category C deals with cases of harassment or intimidation.
To protect witnesses, several measures have been outlined. These include ensuring that witnesses do not come face-to-face with the accused during investigations or trials, monitoring communication channels, installing security devices at their homes, and providing personal security. Witnesses may also be given new identities, relocated to safer locations, or provided financial assistance if required.
As per the scheme a Witness Protection Cell will be set up in each district under the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) or Superintendent of Police (SP). This cell will be responsible for implementing protection orders. All hearings on witness protection applications will be held in-camera to maintain full confidentiality.
Applications for protection must be filed before the competent authority, along with identification proof and supporting documents. Upon receiving a request, a threat analysis report will be prepared by the police within five working days. If there is an immediate threat, the competent authority can grant interim protection while processing the application.
Once a protection order is issued, it will be enforced by the Witness Protection Cell or the Trial Court, with overall responsibility resting with the Director General of Police (DGP). If the case involves identity change or relocation, the Administrative Department will oversee implementation.
The scheme also ensures that the identity of witnesses remains undisclosed during hearings. If needed, a witness may be granted a new identity or relocated to a safer location within Haryana or elsewhere in India. The costs will be covered through the witness protection fund or, in some cases, by the witness themselves.