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Date: 28-Feb-2025 Category: Extra Ordinary State: Union Government Country: India

Delhi Witness Protection Scheme 2025

Issued by Government of The National Capital Territory of Delhi · Home Department

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Executive Summary & Key Takeaways

What it means

  • The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi has implemented the Delhi Witness Protection Scheme, 2025 to protect vulnerable witnesses from threats and intimidation.
  • The scheme aims to safeguard witnesses and their families during investigation, inquiry, trial, and post-trial stages.

Key Changes

  • The scheme is effective from February 28, 2025.
  • A Witness Protection Fund will be established, comprising budgetary allocations, court-ordered deposits, donations, and CSR contributions.
  • A Competent Authority, chaired by the Principal District and Sessions Judge, will oversee the scheme's implementation.
  • Witnesses are categorized based on threat perception (Category A, B, and C).
  • The scheme outlines procedures for filing applications, conducting threat analysis, and providing protection measures.
  • Protection measures include ensuring witnesses and accused do not come face-to-face, monitoring communications, providing security devices, concealing identity, and offering relocation assistance.
  • The Witness Protection Cell of Delhi Police will be responsible for implementing protection orders, with overall responsibility lying on the Commissioner of Police, Delhi.
  • The scheme includes provisions for protecting witness identity, changing identity, and relocating witnesses.
  • Confidentiality of records and proceedings is emphasized, with specific guidelines for preservation and disposal of records.
  • A review mechanism is established, allowing witnesses or police authorities to file a review application within 15 days of an order by the Competent Authority.
  • The scheme references the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

Impact Analysis

Witnesses

  • Right to file a review application if aggrieved by the decision of the Competent Authority.

Judiciary

  • Need for training and awareness programs for judges and court staff on the provisions of the scheme.

Law Enforcement (Delhi Police)

  • Responsibility to give wide publicity to this scheme.

Government of NCT of Delhi (Home Department)

  • Operation of the Witness Protection Fund.

Accused

  • Right to challenge the need for witness protection measures.

Suggested Action Items

  • Amendment of relevant rules and regulations to align with the provisions of the scheme.

Key Entities Referenced

Delhi Witness Protection Scheme, 2025: A scheme implemented by the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi to protect vulnerable witnesses from threats and intimidation. Competent Authority: A Standing Committee in each District chaired by Principal District and Sessions Judge with Head of the Police in the District as Member and Head of the Prosecution in the District as its Member Secretary. Witness Protection Cell: A dedicated Cell of Delhi Police which is responsible to implement the witness protection order. Witness Protection Fund: The fund created for bearing the expenses incurred during the implementation of Witness Protection Order passed by the Competent Authority under this scheme. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: Referred to in the gazette as the source of power for notifying the scheme and defining audio-video electronic means. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: Referred to in the gazette for defining offences. Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023: Referred to in the gazette for the definition of a witness.
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रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33002/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33002/99 भारत सरकार GOVERNMENT OF INDIA एस.जी.-डी.एxलxx.G-अID.H-0x4xx0 32025-261452 SG-DLxx-ExG-0ID4E0x3x2x0 25-261452 असाधारण EXTRAORDINARY प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY स.ं 76] नई दिल्ली, िुक्रवार, फरवरी 28, 2025/फाल्ग नु 9, 1946 [रा.रा.रा.क्षे.दि. स.ं 428 No. 76] DELHI, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2025/PHALGUNA 9, 1946 [N. C. T. D. No. 428 भाग IV PART IV राष्ट्रीय रािधानी राज्य क्षत्रे दिल्ली सरकार GOVERNMENT OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL TERRITORY OF DELHI fnYyh] 28 फरवरी] 2025 II ls .—pwfad] v/kkgs Lrk{kjh ;g lehphu le>rs gSa fd detksj xokgks a dk s fdlh Hkh çdkj dh èkedh vkSj Hk; ls cpkus ds fy, jk"Vªh; jktèkkuh {k=s fnYyh es a xokg lja {k.k ;kts uk ykx w dh tk,xhA vkSj pafwd] v/kkgs Lrk{kjh larq’V gS fd ,slh ifjfLFkfr;k a fo|eku ga]S ftuds dkj.k ;g vko';d gks x;k gS fd ,slh xokg laj{k.k ;kts uk dk s rqjUr ykx w fd;k tkuk pkfg,A vr% vc] v/kkgs Lrk{kjh] Hkkjrh; ukxfjd lqj{kk lafgrk] 2023 dh èkkjk 398 ds varxZr çnÙk 'kfä;kas dk ç;kxs djrs gq, fuEufyf[kr ;kts uk dks vfèklwfpr djrs gSaA ¼d½ bl ;kts uk dk s dgk tk,xkA ¼[k½ ;g “kkldh; jkti= eas vfèklwpuk dh frfFk ls ykx w gkxs kA 1533 DG/2025 (1)2 DELHI GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY PART IV] I d½ ls rkRi;Z gS Hkkjrh; ukxfjd lqj{kk lafgrk] 2023( [k½ dk rkRi;Z ,ls h 'krZ l s gS tk s çR;{k ;k vçR;{k :i ls uke] irk vkSj vU; fooj.k çdkf'kr djus ;k çdV djus ij jksd yxkrh gS] ftlls tkpa ] iwNrkN] ijh{k.k vkjS ijh{k.k ds ckn ds pj.k ds nkjS ku xokg dh igpku gks ldrh gS( xokg dk uke l{ke çkfèkdkjh dh vuqefr ds ckn gh çdkf'kr fd;k tk ldrk gSA x½ ls rkRi;Z çR;ds fty s eas çèkku ftyk ,o a l= U;k;kèkh'k dh vè;{krk okyh ,d LFkk;h lfefr ls gS] ftleas fty s ds iqfyl çeq[k lnL; rFkk fty s ds vfHk;kts u çe[q k lnL; lfpo gkrs s gSaA ?k½ eas xokg ds ekrk&firk@vfHkHkkod] ifr@iRuh] lgthou lkFkh] HkkÃ&cgu] cPp]s ikrs s&ikfsr;ka 'kkfey gSa( M-½ ls rkRi;Z bl ;kts uk ls layXu Þxokg laj{k.k vkons u i=Þ ls gS( p½ ls rkRi;Z ,ls h dk;Zokgh ls gS ftles a l{ke çkfèkdkjh@U;k;ky; dsoy mUgÈ O;fä;kas dks mifLFkr gksus dh vuqefr nsrk g S ftudk lk{kh laj{k.k vkons u ij lquokà vkSj fu.kZ; djrs le; ;k U;k;ky; es a xokgh nsrs le; mifLFkr jguk vko';d gk(s N½ dk rkRi;Z ykbo ohfM;ks Çyd ;k vU; ,ls h O;oLFkk ls gS] ftlds varxZr dksà xokg] ekeys esa xokgh nsus ;k l{ke çkfèkdkjh ds lkFk ckrphr djus ds fy, vnkyr d{k eas 'kkjhfjd :i ls mifLFkr u ik,( t½ eas ohfM;ks d‚UÝasÇlx] igpku] ryk'kh vkSj tCrh ;k lk{; dh çfØ;kvkas dh fjd‚ÉMx] bysDVª‚fud lapkj dk çlkj.k vkSj ,ls s vU; mí's ;ksa ds fy, fdlh Hkh lapkj midj.k dk mi;kxs vkSj ,ls s vU; lkèku 'kkfey gksax]s tSlk fd jkT; ljdkj fu;ekas }kjk mic/a k dj ldrh gS( ¼Hkkjrh; ukxfjd lqj{kk lafgrk] 2023 dh èkkjk 2 ¼1½ ¼d½½ >½ ls rkRi;Z ;kts uk ds [kaM 7] Hkkx&III] Hkkx&IV vkSj Hkkx V esa oÆ.kr mik;kas ls gS A ¥½ ls rkRi;Z mu vijkèkks a ls gS tk s e`R;q ;k vkthou dkjkokl ;k lkr o"kZ ;k mlls vfèkd dkjkokl ls naMuh; gSa vkSj Hkkjrh; U;k; lafgrk] 2023 dh èkkjk 74 ls 79 ds Hkh varxZr naMuh; vijkèk gaSA V½ dk rkRi;Z gS xokg ;k mlds ifjokj ds lnL;ksa dk s [krjs dh xHa khjrk rFkk fo'oluh;rk ds lacaèk eas ekeys dh tkpa djus okys ftys ds iqfyl çeq[k }kjk rS;kj vkSj çLrqr dh xà foLr`r fjiksVZ ls gSA bleas xokg ;k mlds ifjokj ds thou] çfr"Bk ;k laifÙk dks gksus okys [krjkas dh ç—fr ds ckjs eas fof'k"V fooj.k 'kkfey gksxa ]s lkFk gh ;g Hkh fo'ys"k.k fd;k tk,xk fd èkedh nsus okys O;fä ;k O;fä;kas ds ikl èkefd;kas fØ;kafor djus dk bjknk] edln vkjS lalkèku gSa ;k ugÈA ;g ekeys esa mBk, tkus okys fof'k"V xokg laj{k.k mik;kas dk lq>ko nsus ds vykok [krjs dh èkkj.kk dk s Hkh oxÊ—r djsxk( B½ ls rkRi;Z fdlh ,ls s O;fä ls gS] ftlds ikl fdlh vijkèk ds ckjs eas Hkkjrh; lk{; vfèkfu;e] 2023 dh èkkjk 2¼1½¼?k½ es a ;Fkk micaf/kr lwpuk ;k nLrkost gS([PART IV DELHI GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY 3 M½ ls rkRi;Z xokg }kjk xokg laj{k.k vkns'k çkIr djus ds fy, mlds lnL; lfpo ds ekè;e ls l{ke çkfèkdkjh ds le{k fuèkkZfjr çi= eas çLrqr fd;k x;k vkons u ls gSA bls xokg] mlds ifjokj ds lnL;] mlds fofèkor fu;qä odhy ;k lacaf/kr tkpa vfèkdkjh@Fkkuk çHkkjh@mi&laHkkxh; iqfyl vfèkdkjh@tsy vèkh{kd }kjk çLrqr fd;k tk ldrk gS( <½ ls rkRi;Z bl ;kts uk ds varxZr l{ke çkfèkdkjh }kjk ikfjr xokg laj{k.k vkns'k ds dk;kZUo;u ds nkSjku fd, x, O;; dk s ogu djus ds fy, cukà xà fufèk ls gS( .k½ dk rkRi;Z l{ke çkfèkdkjh }kjk ikfjr vkns'k ls gS ftleas xokg laj{k.k grs q fd, tkus okys mik;ka s dk fooj.k fn;k x;k gksA r½ ls rkRi;Z fnYyh iqfyl ds ,d leÆir çdks"B ls gS tk s xokg laj{k.k vkns'k dk s fØ;kfUor djus ds fy, mRrjnk;h gSA II tgka tkpa @iwNrkN@ijh{k.k ds nkSjku ;k mlds i'pkr~ xokg ;k mlds ifjokj ds lnL;kas ds thou dk s [krjk gksA tgka tkpa @iwNrkN@ijh{k.k ds nkSjku ;k mlds i'pkr~ xokg ;k mlds ifjokj ds lnL;kas dh lqj{kk] çfr"Bk ;k laifÙk dks [krjk gksA tgka èkedh lkekU; gS rFkk tkpa @iwNrkN@ijh{k.k ds nkSjku ;k mlds i'pkr~ xokg ;k mlds ifjokj ds lnL; dh çfr"Bk ;k laifÙk dks uqdlku igapq kus ;k Mjkus&/kedkus dh gSA ¼d½ ,d ,ls h fufèk gksxh] ftldk uke xokg laj{k.k fufèk gksxk] ftlls l{ke çkfèkdkjh }kjk ikfjr xokg laj{k.k vkns'k ds dk;kZUo;u ds nkSjku gksus okys O;; rFkk vU; lacafèkr O;; dk s iwjk fd;k tk,xkA ¼[k½ xokg laj{k.k fufèk eas fuEufyf[kr 'kkfey gksxa %s& i½ jkT; ljdkj }kjk okÆ"kd ctV es a fd;k x;k ctVh; vkoaVu( ii½ xokg laj{k.k fufèk eas U;k;ky;kas@U;k;kfèkdj.kks a }kjk tek fd, tkus gsrq yxk, x,@vknsf'kr ykxr dh jkf'k dh çkfIr( iii½ jk"Vªh; jktèkkuh {k=s fnYyh ds mijkT;iky }kjk vuqefr çkIr ijkis dkjh@èkekZFkZ laLFkkvksa@laxBuks a vkSj O;fä;ks a l s çkIr nku@va'knku A iv½ d‚iksZjsV lkekftd mÙkjnkf;Ro ds varxZr ;ksxnku dh xà èkujkf'kA ¼x½ mä fufèk dk lapkyu jk"Vªh; jktèkkuh {k=s fnYyh ljdkj ds vèkhu x`g foHkkx }kjk fd;k tk,xkA bl ;kts uk ds varxZr lqj{kk vkns'k izkIr djus ds fy, vkons u fuèkkZfjr çi= eas lacaf/kr ftys ds l{ke izkf/kdkjh ds le{k] mlds lnL; lfpo ds ekè;e ls lgk;d nLrkots kas lfgr] ;fn dkÃs gks] ds lkFk çLrqr fd;k tk ldrk gSA4 DELHI GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY PART IV] ¼ad½ tc Hkh l{ke çkfèkdkjh ds lnL; lfpo dk s fuèkkZfjr çi= eas vkons u çkIr gkxs k] rk s og lacafèkr iqfyl mi&eaMy ds çHkkjh] mi&eaMy iqfyl vfèkdkjh@lgk;d iqfyl vk;qä ls [krjk fo'ys"k.k fjiksVZ ekxa us ds fy, rRdky vkns'k ikfjr djsxkA ¼[k½ vklUu /kedh ds dkj.k ekeys dh rkRdkfydrk ds vkèkkj ij] l{ke çkfèkdkjh vkons u ds yafcr jgus ds nkSjku xokg ;k mlds ifjokj ds lnL;ks a dh varfje lqj{kk ds fy, vkns'k ikfjr dj ldrk gSA c'krsZ fd vkons d vkjS mlds ifjokj ds lnL;ks a ds thou dk s xHa khj vkSj vklUu /kedh ds ekeys es a iqfyl dk s rRdky ljq {kk çnku djus ls dkÃs ugÈ jksdsxkA ¼x½ /kedh fo'ys"k.k fjiksVZ iw.kZ xkis uh;rk cuk, j[krs gq, 'kh?kzrk ls rS;kj dh tk,xh vkSj ;g vkns'k çkIr gkus s ds ikpa dk;Z fnolksa ds Hkhrj l{ke çkfèkdkjh rd igqap tkuh pkfg,A ¼?k½ /kedh fo'ys"k.k fjiksVZ [krjs dh èkkj.kk dks oxÊ—r djsxh vkSj lkFk gh bleas xokg ;k mlds ifjokj dk s i;kZIr laj{k.k çnku djus grs q lq>kokRed lqj{kk mik; 'kkfey gSa A ¼M-½ xokg lqj{kk ds fy, vkosnu ij dkjZokà djrs le;] l{ke çkfèkdkjh xokg vkSj@;k mlds ifjokj ds lnL;kas@fu;ksäkvkas ;k mi;qä le>s tkus okys fdlh vU; O;fä ds lkFk O;fäxr :i ls vkSj ;fn laHko u gks rk s Hkkjrh; ukxfjd lqj{kk lafgrk] 2023 dh èkkjk 2 ¼1½ ¼,½ eas ifjHkkf"kr v‚fM;ks&ohfM;k s bysDVª‚fud ekè;eks a ds ekè;e ls Hkh ckrphr djsxk rkfd xokg dh lqj{kk vko';drkvks a dks lqfuf'pr fd;k tk ldAs ¼p½ xokg laj{k.k vkons u ij lHkh lquokà l{ke çkfèkdkjh }kjk iw.kZ xkis uh;rk cuk, j[krs gq, can dejs eas dh tk,xhA ¼N½ iqfyl çkfèkdkfj;kas ls /kedh fo'ys"k.k fjiksVZ çkIr gkus s ds ikap dk;Z fnolks a ds Hkhrj vkons u dk fuiVkjk fd;k tk,xkA ¼t½ l{ke çkfèkdkjh }kjk ikfjr xokg laj{k.k vkns'k dk s fnYyh iqfyl ds xokg laj{k.k çdk"s B ;k ijh{k.k U;k;ky; }kjk fØ;kfaor fd;k tk,xk] tSlk Hkh ekeyk gksA l{ke çkfèkdkjh }kjk ikfjr lHkh xokg laj{k.k vkns'kkas ds dk;kZUo;u dh lexz ftEens kjh fnYyh ds iqfyl vk;qä ij gksxhA ;|fi] igpku cnyus vkSj@;k iqu%LFkkiu ds fy, l{ke çkfèkdkjh }kjk ikfjr xokg laj{k.k vkns'k dk s jk"Vªh; jktèkkuh {k=s fnYyh ljdkj ds x`g foHkkx }kjk fØ;kafor fd;k tk,xk A ¼>½ xokg laj{k.k vkns'k ikfjr gksus ij] xokg laj{k.k çdk"s B l{ke çkfèkdkjh ds le{k ekfld vuqorÊ fjikVs Z izLrqr djsxkA ¼¥½ ;fn l{ke çkfèkdkjh dks yxrk gS fd xokg laj{k.k vkns'k dk s la'kkfsèkr djus dh vko';drk gS ;k bl lacaèk eas dkÃs vkons u çLrqr fd;k tkrk gS] vkSj ijh{k.k iwjk gksus ij] lacfaèkr iqfyl mi&foHkkx ds çHkkjh] mi&foHkkxh; iqfyl vfèkdkjh@lgk;d iqfyl vk;qä ls ,d uà èkedh fo'ys"k.k fjiksVZ eaxkà tk,xhA xokgks a dh lqj{kk ds fy, vknsf'kr mik; [krjs ds vuqikr eas gksxa s vkSj ,d fuf'pr vofèk ds fy, gksxa s tks ,d ckj eas rhu eghus ls vfèkd ugÈ gksxhA bleas fuEu 'kkfey gSa % ¼ad½ ;g lqfuf'pr djuk fd tkpa ] iwNrkN ;k ijh{k.k ds nkjS ku xokg vkjS vkjksih vkeus&lkeus u vk,(a ¼[k½ eys vkSj VsyhQksu d‚y dh fuxjkuh( ¼x½ xokg dk VsyhQksu uacj cnyus ;k ml s ,d vlwphc) VsyhQksu uacj vkofaVr djus ds fy, VsyhQksu daiuh ds lkFk O;oLFkk djuk( ¼?k½ xokg ds ?kj eas lqj{kk midj.kks a dh LFkkiuk tSls lqj{kk njokts] Dykts lÆdV Vsyhfotu] vykeZ] ckM+ yxkuk vkfn( ¼M-½ xokg dk s mlds uke ;k v{kj eas ifjorZu djds mldh igpku fNikuk([PART IV DELHI GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY 5 ¼p½ xokg ds fy, vkikrdkyhu laidZ O;fä( ¼N½ dM+h lqj{kk] xokg ds ?kj ds vklikl fu;fer x'r( ¼t½ fdlh fj'rsnkj ds ?kj ;k ikl ds 'kgj es a vLFkk;h :i ls fuokl LFkku cnyuk( ¼>½ U;k;ky; rd ys tkus vkSj okil ykus ds fy, vuqj{k.k rFkk lquokà dh frfFk rd ljdkjh okgu ;k jkT; }kjk foÙkiksf"kr okgu dh O;oLFkk( ¼¥½ can dejs eas lquokà vk;kfstr djuk( ¼V½ c;ku vkSj xokgh ntZ djus ds nkjS ku ,d lgk;d O;fä dk s mifLFkr jgus dh vuqefr nsuk( ¼B½ fo'k"s k :i ls fMtkbu fd, x, laons u'khy xokg U;k;ky; d{kks a dk mi;kxs ] ftues a xokg vkSj vkjksih ds fy, vyx&vyx ekxk±s ds vykok ykbo ohfM;k s Çyd] ou&os fejj vkSj LØhu tSlh fo'k"s k O;oLFkk,a gksrh gSa] ftues a xokg ds pgs js dh Nfo dks la'kkfsèkr djus vkSj xokg dh vkokt ds v‚fM;k s QhM dks la'kkfsèkr djus dk fodYi gkrs k g]S rkfd mldh igpku u gk s lds( ¼M½ fcuk fdlh LFkxu ds fnu&çfrfnu ds vkèkkj ij ijh{k.k ds nkjS ku c;kuks a dh 'kh?kz fjd‚ÉMx lqfuf'pr djuk( ¼<½ vko';drkuqlkj] iuq oklZ ] Hkj.k&ik"s k.k ;k u;k O;olk;@i's kk 'kq: djus ds mí's ; ls] xokg laj{k.k fufèk ls xokg dk s le;&le; ij foÙkh; lgk;rk@vuqnku çnku djukA ¼.k½ fdlh vU; çdkj ds lqj{kk mik; tk s vko';d le>s tk,Aa ,d ckj lqj{kk vkns'k ikfjr gks tkus ds i'pkr~] l{ke çkfèkdkjh blds dk;kZUo;u dh fuxjkuh djsxk rFkk ekeys es a çkIr vuqorÊ fjikVs k±s ds lanHk Z eas bldh leh{kk dj ldrk gSA ;|fi] l{ke çkfèkdkjh xokg laj{k.k çdk"s B }kjk çLrqr ekfld vuqorÊ fjikVs Z ds vkèkkj ij] frekgh vkèkkj ij xokg laj{k.k vkns'k dh leh{kk djsxkA III fdlh Hkh vijkèk dh tkpa ;k lquokà ds nkjS ku] igpku laj{k.k grs q vkosnu fuèkkZfjr çi= es a l{ke çkfèkdkjh ds le{k mlds lnL; lfpo ds ekè;e ls nk;j fd;k tk ldrk gSA vkons u çkIr gksus ij] l{ke çkfèkdkjh ds lnL; lfpo /kedh fo'ys"k.k fjiksVZ dh ekax djsxa As l{ke çkfèkdkjh xokg ;k mlds ifjokj ds lnL;kas ;k fdlh vU; O;fä dh tkpa djsxk ftls og ;g irk yxkus ds fy, mi;qä le>s fd igpku lqj{kk vkns'k ikfjr djus dh vko';drk gS ;k ugÈA vkons u dh lquokà ds nkSjku] xokg dh igpku fdlh vU; O;fä dks ugÈ crkà tk,xh] ftlls xokg dh igpku gksus dh laHkkouk gksA rRi'pkr~] l{ke çkfèkdkjh fjd‚MZ ij miyCèk lkexzh ds vuqlkj vkons u dk fuiVkjk dj ldrk gSA ,d ckj tc l{ke çkfèkdkjh }kjk xokg dh igpku dh lqj{kk ds fy, vkns'k ikfjr dj fn;k tkrk gS] rks ;g xokg laj{k.k çdk"s B dk mRrjnkf;Ro gksxk fd og ;g lqfuf'pr djs fd ,sls xokg] muds ifjokj ds lnL;ks a dh igpku ftlesa uke@ekrk&firk@O;olk;@irk@fMftVy QqVÇçV 'kkfey gSa] iw.kZr% lqjf{kr gaAS tc rd fdlh xokg dh igpku l{ke çkfèkdkjh ds vkns'k ds vUrxZr lqjf{kr gS] xokg laj{k.k çdk"s B mu O;fä;ks a dk fooj.k miyCèk djk,xk ftuls vkikrdkyhu fLFkfr eas xokg laidZ dj ldrk gSA ;kts uk eas fufgr mijksä çkoèkkukas ds vuq:i] detkjs xokg vfHk;qä ds lkFk ckrphr dk s de ls de djus ds fy, HkkSfrd ckèkkvkas ds lkFk ;k ohfM;k s d‚UÝasÇlx lqfoèkkvkas ds ekè;e ls fo'k"s k vnkyrkas eas xokgh ns ldrs gSaA6 DELHI GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY PART IV] IV mi;qä ekeykas eas] tgka xokg }kjk igpku ifjorZu dk vuqjksèk fd;k tkrk gS vkSj /kedh fo'ys"k.k fjiksVZ ds vkèkkj ij] l{ke çkfèkdkjh }kjk xokg dk s uà igpku çnku djus dk fu.kZ; fy;k tk ldrk gSA uà igpku çnku djus eas u;k uke@i's kk@çfr'kr vkSj ljdkjh ,tsfal;kas }kjk Lohdk;Z lgk;d nLrkots çnku djuk 'kkfey gSA uà igpku ds dkj.k xokg dk s ekStwnk 'kSf{kd@is'kos j@ laifÙk vfèkdkjks a l s oafpr ugÈ fd;k tkuk pkfg,A V mi;qä ekeykas eas] tgka xokg dh vkjs ls iqu%LFkkiu ds fy, vuqjksèk fd;k tkrk gS vkSj /kedh fo'ys"k.k fjiksVZ ds vkèkkj ij] l{ke çkfèkdkjh }kjk xokg ds iuq %LFkkiu ds fy, fu.kZ; fy;k tk ldrk gSA l{ke çkfèkdkjh xokg dh lqj{kk] dY;k.k vkSj Hkykà dk s è;ku eas j[krs gq, mls fnYyh ls ckgj] ijUrq Hkkjr ds Hkhrj esa lqjf{kr LFkku ij iqu%LFkkiu djus dk vkns'k ikfjr dj ldrk gSA bldk O;; xokg laj{k.k fufèk ls ogu fd;k tk,xkA VI fnYyh iqfyl bl ;kts uk dk O;kid çpkj djsxhA tkpa vfèkdkjh vkjS U;k;ky; bl ;kts uk ds varxZr vkus okys lHkh ekeykas esa xokgks a dk s ÞfnYyh xokg laj{k.k ;kstuk] 2024Þ ds vfLrRo vkSj bldh eq[; fo'k"s krkvkas ds ckjs eas lwfpr djsxa As iqfyl] vfHk;kts u foHkkx] U;k;ky; LVkQ] nksukas i{kks a ds odhy lfgr lHkh fgrèkkjd iw.kZ xkis uh;rk cuk, j[ksxa s vkSj ;g lqfuf'pr djsxa s fd fdlh Hkh ifjfLFkfr eas] bl ;kts uk ds vUrxrZ dk;Zokfg;ks a ls lacafèkr dkÃs Hkh fjd‚MZ] nLrkost ;k tkudkjh dks ijh{k.k U;k;ky;@vihy U;k;ky;rFkk og Hkh fyf[kr vkns'k ij] dks NksM+dj]fdlh Hkh O;fä ds lkFk fdlh Hkh rjg ls lk>k ugÈ dh tk,xhA bl ;kts uk ds vUrxZr dk;Zokfg;kas ls lacafèkr lHkh fjd‚MZ ml le; rd lqjf{kr j[ks tk,xa s tc rd fd lacafèkr edq nek ;k vihy dkuwu ds U;k;ky; ds le{k yafcr gSA vafre U;k;ky; dk;Zokgh ds fuiVku ds ,d o"kZ ds i'Pkkr~] l{ke çkfèkdkjh }kjk LdSu dh xà l‚¶V d‚ih dks lqjf{kr j[kus ds ckn fjd‚MZ dh gkMZ d‚ih dk s gVk;k tk ldrk gSA ;fn xokg us >wBh f'kdk;r ntZ djkà gS] rks jk"Vªh; jktèkkuh {k=s fnYyh ljdkj dk x`g foHkkx xokg lja {k.k fuf/k ls fd, x, O;; dh olwyh ds fy, dk;Zokgh 'kq: dj ldrk gSA ;fn xokg ;k iqfyl izkfèkdkjh l{ke çkfèkdkjh ds fu.kZ; ls vlarq"V gSa] rk s ,sls vkns'k ikfjr gksus ds 15 fnukas ds Hkhrj l{ke çkfèkdkjh ds le{k leh{kk vkons u nk;j fd;k tk ldrk gSA राष्ट्रीय रािधानी क्षेत्र दिल्ली के उप-राज्यपाल के आिेि स े तथा उनके नाम पर jktho dqekj R;kxh, mi lfpo ¼x`g&I½[PART IV DELHI GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY 7 HOME DEPARTMENT NOTIFICATION Delhi, the 28th February, 2025 F. No. 11/12/2024/HP-II/369-377.—Whereas the undersigned considers it expedient that a Witness Protection Scheme shall be implemented in National Capital Territory of Delhi for the protection of vulnerable witnesses from any kind of threat and intimidation. And whereas the undersigned is satisfied that the circumstances exist, which render it necessary that such Witness Protection Scheme should be brought into force at once. And now, therefore, the undersigned in exercise of the powers conferred under section 398 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 notify the following scheme. 1. SHORT TITLE AND COMMENCEMENT: (a) The Scheme shall be called "Delhi Witness Protection Scheme, 2025" (b) It shall come into force from the date of Notification in the official Gazatte. Part I 2. DEFINITIONS: a) "Sanhita" means the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; b) "Concealment of Identity of Witness" means and includes any condition prohibiting publication or revealing, in any manner, directly or indirectly, of the name, address and other particulars which may lead to the identification of the witness during investigation, inquiry, trial and post-trial stage; the name of witness may be published only after the permission of the Competent Authority. c) "Competent Authority" means a Standing Committee in each District chaired by Principal District and Sessions Judge with Head of the Police in the District as Member and Head of the Prosecution in the District as its Member Secretary. d) "Family Member" includes parents/guardian, spouse, live-in partner, siblings, children, grandchildren of the witness; e) "Form" means "Witness Protection Application Form" appended to this Scheme; f) "In Camera Proceedings" means proceedings wherein the Competent Authority/Court allows only those persons who are necessarily to be present while hearing and deciding the witness protection application or deposing in the court; g) "Live Link" means and include a live video link or other such arrangement whereby a witness, while not being physically present in the court room for deposing in the matter or interacting with the Competent Authority; h) “Audio-Video Electronic Means” shall include use of any communication device for the purposes of video conferencing, recording of processes of identification, search and seizure or evidence, transmission of electronic communication and such other purposes and by such other means as the State Government may, by rules provide; (Section 2 (1) (a) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023) i) "Witness Protection Measures" means measures spelt out in Clause 7, Part-III, Part-IV and Part V of the Scheme. j) "Offence" means those offences which are punishable with death or life imprisonment or an imprisonment up to seven years and above and also offences punishable under section 74 to 79 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. k) "Threat Analysis Report" means a detailed report prepared and submitted by the Head of the Police in the District Investigating the case with regard to the seriousness and credibility of the threat perception to the witness or his family members. It shall contain specific details about the nature of threats faced by the witness or his family to their life, reputation or property apart from analyzing the extent, the person or persons making the threat, have the intent, motive and resources to implement the threats. It shall also categorize the threat perception apart from suggesting the specific witness protection measures which deserves to be taken in the matter; l) "Witness" means any person, who posses information or document as provided in section 2 (1) (d) Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 about any offence;8 DELHI GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY PART IV] m) "Witness Protection Application" means an application moved by the witness in the prescribed form before a Competent Authority through its Member Secretary for seeking Witness Protection Order. It can be moved by the witness, his family member, his duly engaged counsel or Investigation Officer/Station House Officer/Sub Divisional Police Officer/Jail Superintendent concerned; n) "Witness Protection Fund" means the fund created for bearing the expenses incurred during the implementation of Witness Protection Order passed by the Competent Authority under this scheme; o) "Witness Protection Order" means an order passed by the Competent Authority detailing the witness protection measures to be taken. p) "Witness Protection Cell" means a dedicated Cell of Delhi Police which is responsible to implement the witness protection order. Part II 3. CATEGORIES OF WITNESS AS PER THREAT PERCEPTION: Category ‘A': Where the threat extends to life of witness or his family members, during investigation/inquiry /trial or thereafter. Category ‘B': Where the threat extends to safety, reputation or property of the witness or his family members, during the investigation/ inquiry /trial or thereafter. Category 'C': Where the threat is moderate and extends to harassment or intimidation of the witness or his family member's, reputation or property, during the investigation/inquiry /trial or thereafter. 4. STATE WITNESS PROTECTION FUND: (a) There shall be a Fund, namely, the Witness Protection Fund from which the expenses incurred during the implementation of Witness Protection Order passed by the Competent Authority and other related expenditure, shall be met. (b) The Witness Protection Fund shall comprise the following:- i) Budgetary allocation made in the Annual Budget by the State Government; ii) Receipt of amount of costs imposed/ordered to be deposited by the courts/ tribunals in the Witness Protection Fund; iii) Donations/contributions from Philanthropist /Charitable Institutions/ Organizations and individuals permitted by the Lt. Governor, National Capital Territory of Delhi. iv) Funds contributed under Corporate Social Responsibility. (c) The said Fund shall be operated by the Home Department under Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi. 5. FILING OF APPLICATION BEFORE COMPETENT AUTHORITY: The application for seeking protection order under this scheme can be filed in the prescribed form before the Competent Authority of the concerned District where the offence is committed, through its Member Secretary along with supporting documents, if any. 6. PROCEDURE FOR PROCESSING THE APPLICATION: (a) As and when an application is received by the Member Secretary of the Competent Authority, in the prescribed form, he shall forthwith pass an order for calling for the Threat Analysis Report from the Sub Division Police Officer/Assistant Commissioner of Police, in charge of the concerned Police Sub-Division. (b) Depending upon the urgency in the matter owing to imminent threat, the Competent Authority can pass orders for interim protection of the witness or his family members during the pendency of the application. Provided that nothing shall preclude police from providing immediate protection in case of grave and imminent threat to life of applicant and his family members. (c) The Threat Analysis Report shall be prepared expeditiously while maintaining full confidentiality and it shall reach the Competent Authority within five working days of receipt of the order. (d) The Threat Analysis Report shall categorize the threat perception and also include suggestive protection measures for providing adequate protection to the witness or his family. (e) While processing the application for witness protection, the Competent Authority shall also interact preferably in person and if not possible through Audio-Video electronic means as defined in Section 2 (1) (a) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 with the witness and/or his family[PART IV DELHI GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY 9 members/employers or any other person deemed fit so as to ascertain the witness protection needs of the witness. (f) All the hearings on Witness Protection Application shall be held in-camera by the Competent Authority while maintaining full confidentiality. (g) An application shall be disposed of within five working days of receipt of Threat Analysis Report from the Police Authorities. (h) The Witness Protection Order passed by the Competent Authority shall be implemented by the Witness Protection Cell of Delhi Police or the Trial Court, as the case may be. Overall responsibility of implementation of all witness protection orders passed by the Competent Authority shall lie on Commissioner of Police, Delhi. However, the Witness Protection Order passed by the Competent Authority for change of identity and/or relocation shall be implemented by the Home Department, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi. (i) Upon passing of a Witness Protection Order, the Witness Protection Cell shall file a monthly follow-up report before the Competent Authority. (j) In case, the Competent Authority finds that there is a need to revise the Witness Protection Order or an application is moved in this regard, and upon completion of trial, a fresh Threat Analysis Report shall be called from the Sub Division Police Officer/ Assistant Commissioner of Police, in-charge of the concerned Police Sub Division. 7T . YPES OF PROTECTION MEASURES: The witness protection measures ordered shall be proportionate to the threat and shall be for a specific duration not exceeding three months at a time. These may include: (a) Ensuring that witness and accused do not come face to face during investigation, inquiry or trial; (b) Monitoring of mail and telephone calls; (c) Arrangement with the telephone company to change the witness's telephone number or assign him or her an unlisted telephone number; (d) Installation of security devices in the witness's home such as security doors, Closed Circuit Television, alarms, fencing etc; (e) Concealment of identity of the witness by referring to him/her with the changed name or alphabet; (f) Emergency contact persons for the witness; (g) Close protection, regular patrolling around the witness's house; (h) Temporary change of residence to a relative's house or a nearby town; (i) Escort to and from the court and provision of Government vehicle or a State funded conveyance for the date of hearing; (j) Holding of in-camera trials; (k) Allowing a support person to remain present during recording of statement and deposition; (l) Usage of specially designed vulnerable witness court rooms which have special arrangements like live video links, one way mirrors and screens apart from separate passages for witness and accused, with option to modify the image of face of the witness and to modify the audio feed of the witness’ voice, so that he/she is not identifiable; (m) Ensuring expeditious recording of deposition during trial on day to day basis without adjournments; (n) Awarding time to time periodical financial aids/grants to the witness from Witness Protection Fund for the purpose of re-location, sustenance or starting a new vocation/profession, as may be considered necessary. (o) Any other form of protection measures considered necessary. 8. MONITORING AND REVIEW: Once the protection order is passed, the Competent Authority would monitor its implementation and can review the same in terms of follow-up reports received in the matter. However, the Competent Authority shall review the Witness Protection Order on a quarterly basis based on the monthly follow-up report submitted by the Witness Protection Cell.10 DELHI GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY PART IV] Part -III 9. PROTECTION OF IDENTITY: During the course of investigation or trial of any offence, an application for seeking identity protection can be filed in the prescribed form before the Competent Authority through its Member Secretary. Upon receipt of the application, the Member Secretary of the Competent Authority shall call for the Threat Analysis Report. The Competent Authority shall examine the witness or his family members or any other person it deems fit to ascertain whether there is a necessity to pass an identity protection order. During the course of hearing of the application, the identity of the witness shall not be revealed to any other person, which is likely to lead to the witness identification. The Competent Authority can thereafter, dispose of the application as per material available on record. Once, an order for protection of identity of witness is passed by the Competent Authority, it shall be the responsibility of Witness Protection Cell to ensure that identity of such witness, his or her family members including name/parentage/occupation/ address/digital footprints are fully protected. As long as identity of any witness is protected under an order of the Competent Authority, the Witness Protection Cell shall provide details of persons who can be contacted by the witness in case of emergency. In line with the aforesaid provisions contained in the scheme, vulnerable witnesses may testify in special courts with physical barriers or through Video conferencing facilities to minimize interaction with the accused. Part -IV 10. CHANGE OF IDENTITY: In appropriate cases, where there is a request from the witness for change of identity and based on the Threat Analysis Report, a decision can be taken for conferring a new identity to the witness by the Competent Authority. Conferring new identities includes new name/profession/percentage and providing supporting documents acceptable by the Government Agencies. The new identities should not deprive the witness from existing educational/ professional/ property rights. Part -V 11. RELOCATION OF WITNESS: In appropriate cases, where there is a request from the witness for relocation and based on the Threat Analysis Report, a decision can be taken for relocation of the witness by the Competent Authority. The Competent Authority may pass an order for witness relocation to a safer place outside Delhi, but within India keeping in view the safety, welfare and wellbeing of the witness. The expenses shall be borne from the Witness Protection Fund. Part –VI 12. WITNESSES TO BE APPRISED OF THE SCHEME: Delhi Police shall give wide publicity to this Scheme. The IO and the Court shall inform witnesses in all cases covered under the Scheme about the existence of “Delhi Witness Protection Scheme, 2024” and its salient features. 13. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRESERVATION OF RECORDS: All stakeholders including the Police, the Prosecution Department, Court Staff, Lawyers from both sides shall maintain full confidentiality and shall ensure that under no circumstance, any record, document or information in relation to the proceedings under this scheme shall be shared with any person in any manner except with the Trial Court/Appellate Court and that too, on a written order. All the records pertaining to proceedings under this scheme shall be preserved till such time the related trial or appeal thereof is pending before a Court of law. After one year of disposal of the last Court proceedings, the hard copy of the records can be weeded out by the Competent Authority after preserving the scanned soft copies of the same. 14. RECOVERY OF EXPENSES: In case the witness has lodged a false complaint, the Home Department of Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi can initiate proceedings for recovery of the expenditure incurred from the Witness Protection Fund.[PART IV DELHI GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY 11 15. REVIEW: In case the witness or the police authorities are aggrieved by the decision of the Competent Authority, a review application may be filed before the Competent Authority within 15 days of passing of such order. By Order and in the Name of the Lt. Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi RAJIV KUMAR TYAGI, Dy. Secy. (Home-I) Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064 and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.

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