Cabinet Decisions Details
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Cabinet Decision on 27th June, 2024 (4)
Ensuring Fair Justice through Witness Protection ----------
► To ensure protection of witnesses against imminent threats during the course of the investigation and trial of any cases, the State Cabinet has accorded approval to the Assam Witness Protection Scheme, 2024 to ensure adherence to Section 398 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
► The Scheme will have the following features
■A Witness Protection Application may be moved by the witness in the prescribed form before a Competent Authority through its Member Secretary for seeking Witness Protection Order
■The Competent Authority is a Standing Committee in each District chaired by the District and Sessions Judge. The Head of the Police in the District and an officer not below the rank of the ADC to be nominated by the District Magistrate will be its members and the Head of the Prosecution in the District will be its Member Secretary
■The Witnesses will be categorized as A, B & C as per threat perception
■Constitution of Witness Protection Fund under the scheme
■A State Witness Protection Authority will be constituted
► Protection measures under this scheme will include holding of in-camera trials, installation of security devices (CCTV, security door, alarm, fencing) in the witness' home, Close protection and patrolling near witness' home, Temporary change of residence, escort to and from the Court, provision of Govt. vehicle for the date of hearing, etc