Relevance : GS Paper II
Why has this issue cropped up?
The Centre is yet to act on a Supreme Court directive to legislate on witness protection.
Recent instances of attacks on witnesses
- witnesses of a rape survivor died in ‘accident’ in UP.
- A police official assigned to protect murder witness was killed.
- In Asaram Bapu case three witnesses were killed several attacked.
Supreme Court directive
- It issued directions to frame laws for protection of witnesses.
- Following this, Maharashtra came out with a witness protection act.
- However, the Centre, and most other States, are yet to act.
Witness Protection Scheme
- Witness Protection Scheme was drafted by the Centre last year on directives of Supreme Court.
- However, the scheme was meant to be a measure in force only till the government brought out its own law on the issue.
Lax implementation
- Implementation of the Witness Protection Scheme on the ground leaves much to be desired.
- It is silent on the punishment to be given to policemen charged with providing security who threaten the witnesses.
Police-politician nexus
- Criminals get support from the police.
- Policeman, for his career progression, does not take any action against political ‘master’.
Way forward
The Witness Protection Scheme calls for more elaborate and stricter laws to be incorporated.
Conclusion
Legislation for witness protection is a must for India’s criminal justice system.
