Haryana Witness Protection Scheme 2025

In a major move to strengthen the criminal justice system, the Haryana government, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, has launched the Haryana Witness Protection Scheme, 2025. The initiative aims to protect witnesses in serious criminal cases, ensuring their safety and encouraging them to testify without fear. This move aligns with India’s evolving legal framework and the recent implementation of three new criminal laws.

How Will Haryana’s Witness Protection Scheme Work?

The scheme is specifically designed for witnesses involved in cases punishable by death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment of seven years or more. It also includes offenses under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

To ensure adequate protection, the government has categorized witnesses into three levels of threat perception:

Category A: Witnesses facing life-threatening risks, including their family members.
Category B: Threats that impact a witness’s security, reputation, or property.
Category C: Cases where intimidation or harassment may affect the witness’s ability to testify.

What Protection Measures Will Be Provided to Witnesses?

The Haryana Witness Protection Scheme, 2025 introduces various security measures based on the threat level. The protection includes:

Preventing Contact: Ensuring that witnesses and the accused do not meet during investigations or trials.

Monitoring Communications: Keeping track of emails, phone calls, and messages to detect threats.

Identity Concealment: Witnesses may receive new names, professional identities, or documents to ensure their anonymity.

Relocation Assistance: If required, witnesses can be shifted to a safe location within Haryana or anywhere in India.

Enhanced Security: Installation of CCTV cameras, alarms, and fencing at the witness’s residence.

In-Camera Trials: Court proceedings will be conducted privately to protect witness identities.

Who Will Implement the Witness Protection Scheme?

The Witness Protection Cell will be set up in every district, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) or Superintendent of Police (SP). These authorities will be responsible for executing protection orders based on each case’s risk assessment. Protection orders will be granted for a fixed period, usually not exceeding three months at a time.