Witnesses Can Now Testify Without Going to Court in Haryana

Haryana has launched the Haryana Witness Protection Scheme 2025 in order to protect witnesses. The scheme is notified by Home Secretary Dr. Sumita Mishra which represents a significant shift in the way of handling witness testimonies in criminal cases. This scheme is specifically more relevant in cases involving life imprisonment or sentences exceeding seven years.

System for Witness Protection

The government has introduced a sophisticated categorization system for witness protection:

• Category A covers cases where witnesses or their families face direct threats during or after investigation
• Category B addresses situations threatening the security, reputation, or property of witnesses and others 
• Category C deals with cases of moderate threat levels, including harassment or exploitation

Comprehensive Security Measures

The scheme introduces several innovative and technological protection measures like remote testimonies that will eliminate direct confrontation with the accused and email and phone surveillance will help in witness safety, installation of security equipments like CCTV, alarms, and fencing at residences of the witnesses. Provision for changing numbers and providing unlisted phone numbers through telecom partnerships is also introduced which will prevent location tracking of the witnesses. Personal security officers and PCR van patrols around the residence when necessary. 

Looking Forward

This initiative marks Haryana's commitment to strengthening its criminal justice system by ensuring witness safety and encouraging truthful testimonies without fear. The scheme's implementation could serve as a model for other states in witness protection.