Published Paper Details:

Witnesses are one of the essential elements of a criminal justice system. Protecting the lives and identities of witnesses who give evidence against criminals is essential for a successful criminal justice system that aims to deter crime and maintain law and order in the society. The constitutional courts in India have acknowledged the idea of witness protection and taken it into consideration, but its execution has been insufficient and not up to the mark. The statutory witness protection programme offered by the Central Government's Witness Protection Scheme, 2018, constitutes the majority of the witness protection measures that are available in India. But there are a number of flaws in the plan, including the lack of a legal framework, scarce funding, and poor infrastructure, among others. The need for witness protection is pressing in India, where witnesses are often subjected to intimidation, harassment, and even physical violence. The lack of effective witness protection measures has led to low conviction rates and impunity for offenders. This research article critically examines the existing criminal justice system in India in relation to protection of witnesses. In order to strengthen and improve the current criminal justice system, the research piece also offers some recommendations related to witnesses of the crime. The role of judiciary in protection of the witnesses has also been discussed, particularly in the recent past.