Witness protection scheme — eligibility + process (2026 guide)

• Notified 2018 (post-SC ruling in *Mahender Chawla v UoI*)
• Three threat categories: A (life-threat), B (moderate), C (low)
• Protection: identity-protection, residence-relocation, escort, surveillance
• Application by witness or court / IO
• State-implemented via Witness Protection Cell
• Funded by State Witness Protection Fund

1. Witness applies / court / IO refers — To Competent Authority (DCP / SP).
2. Threat assessment by police — Within 5 days.
3. Categorization: A/B/C — Determines protection level.
4. Protection implemented — Various measures based on category.
5. Periodic review — Quarterly.
6. RTI for scheme implementation status — State Witness Protection Cell.

• Application denied — appeal to higher authority.
• Threat category low despite severe threat — request reassessment.
• Protection inadequate — formally complain; RTI for implementation status.
• Identity leak — serious; report immediately + criminal complaint.

Court records are split: judicial records (case file, orders) follow CPC rules + court counter; administrative records (vacancy, infrastructure, listing logic, judges' assets) are disclosable via RTI to the court PIO.

1. Status of my case no. _____ as on date.
2. Reasons for delay / non-listing in past 30 days.
3. Number of similar cases pending + disposed in past 12 months.
4. Procedure to seek certified copy / file inspection.
5. Name + designation of court PIO + appellate authority.

Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the AI RTI Drafter →

Free — fully state-funded.

Pseudonym in court records, separate hearing room, voice modulation, etc.

Till threat exists (case-specific). Reviewed quarterly.

Appeal to State Witness Protection Authority. Or writ petition.

• All eCourts + judicial guides
• Helplines
• Full RTI Playbook

Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.