Assam Cabinet approves Witness Protection Scheme

Newsdesk:
The Assam Cabinet on last Thursday approved the Assam Witness Protection Scheme 2024 to ensure compliance with Section 398 of the Indian Civil Security Code, 2023, which protects witnesses from imminent dangers during investigations and hearings.  The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, approved the scheme under which witnesses would have to submit a witness protection application in a prescribed form to a competent authority through its member secretary for obtaining protection orders.  The competent authority will be a standing committee in each district, headed by the District and Sessions Judge, in which witnesses will be classified as A, B and C on the basis of perception of danger.  After the meeting, the Chief Minister told reporters that a State Witness Protection Authority and a Witness Protection Fund would also be constituted for this purpose.  Mr. Sharma said security measures under the scheme included closed-room hearings, installation of security devices in the homes of witnesses, tight security and patrolling near their homes, temporary relocation of residence, courts assures repair of broken embankment include escorts to and from court, providing official vehicles on the date of the hearing.