The Dhami Cabinet has approved the Uttarakhand Witness Protection Scheme-2025 to ensure the safety of witnesses in court cases. The scheme is aimed at strengthening and ensuring impartial justice. A state-level Witness Protection Committee has also been formed under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Earlier, Uttarakhand had implemented the Witness Protection Act 2020, but it was repealed after BNSS replaced the CrPC nationwide in July 2023. Section 398 of BNSS mandates states to introduce a witness protection scheme.
Under the new plan, measures such as identity confidentiality, relocation, change of contact details, physical security, and financial assistance when required have been included. Confidentiality will remain the top priority in all decisions.
The committee will consist of members from the judiciary, police, and senior district officials to assess protection needs and ensure timely security arrangements for witnesses.
