Why can’t we have witness protection plan, SC asks Govt

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 17

Concerned over elimination of crucial witnesses in high-profile cases, the Supreme Court today asked the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to prepare a draft witness-protection programme and place before it in six weeks.

A Bench headed by Justices AK Sikri also directed all states to let it know about the implementation of their respective witness-protection programmes, if any, and the measures taken in that regard. It asked Attorney General KK Venugopal to submit his suggestions.

The top court was dealing with a PIL seeking protection for witnesses in rape cases involving self-styled godman Asaram wherein many witnesses have been mysteriously killed or attacked. The petitioners also wanted a probe into attacks on witnesses in cases against Asaram.

The Bench wondered why a draft witness-protection programme can’t be formulated when specific provisions in that regard were in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act.

“In the NIA Act, there are specific provisions for witness protection. Why cannot it be there for all?” asked the Bench, which also included Justice Ashok Bhushan.

“We understand there are lakhs of cases, but it can be done for sensitive cases. Why cannot the Ministry of Home Affairs make out some draft programme on witness protection?” it asked.

Amicus Curiae Gaurav Agarwal informed the Bench he has already written to the Centre and all the chief secretaries and home secretaries of states on the issue.

Wants ban on pet coke, furnace oil 

• The SC has asked all states and UTs to consider banning use of pet coke and furnace oil, which are major sources of pollution
• A Bench, which banned the pet coke and furnace oil in Haryana, Punjab and UP last month, however, said it did not want to issue any fresh direction 
• Additional Solicitor General ASN Nadkarni said he would look into the matter and get back to the Bench in a week