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India lacks a statutory witness protection framework, leading to witness intimidation and case collapse
  • India has no dedicated law for witness protection, unlike countries like the US with the Witness Security Program. In the Asaram Bapu case, three witnesses were murdered, five injured, and one missing, highlighting systemic failures. Police often fail to protect witnesses, as seen in the Priya Darshini case where Tanveer Mir faced threats despite CBIs involvement. Courts have issued directives (e.g., Mahendra Chawla case) for secret locations and security, but implementation is inconsistent. Without legal backing, witnesses fear retaliation, leading to false testimonies or withdrawal, undermining justice. The Supreme Court has repeatedly criticized the lack of protection, but political will to enact laws remains absent.
Tanveer Ahmed MirRaj Shamani00:32:22

Supporting quotes

हमारे मुल्क में विटनेस प्रोटेक्शन पे अभी भी हम सबसे ज्यादा कमजोर हैं क्योंकि उस परे कोई कानून भी नहीं Tanveer Ahmed Mir
आसाराम का जो केस है उसमें भारत सरकार ने तो आज तक विटनेस प्रोटेक्शन रेजीम पर कोई कदम नहीं उठाए ना कोई कानून बनाया नए कानून में भी इसका कोई खुलासा नहीं Tanveer Ahmed Mir

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witness-protection-system-failures

India lacks statutory witness protection frameworks, leading to intimidation, evidence tampering, and collapsed cases. Systemic failures enable powerful actors to manipulate justice through threats and corruption.

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