Right to Information Wiki

Witness protection scheme — eligibility + process (2026 guide)

India's working reference for the RTI Act, 2005 — current, sourced, and free.

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ecourts:witness-protection [2026/04/26 02:40] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>
 +metatag-keywords=(witness protection india, witness protection scheme, witness security, witness protection rti)
 +metatag-description=(Witness Protection Scheme 2018: protection in serious offences. Categories A/B/C by threat. State-implemented.)
 +}}
  
 +====== Witness protection scheme — eligibility + process (2026 guide) ======
 +
 +{{ :social:auto:ecourts-witness-protection.png?direct&1200 }}
 +
 +<WRAP info>
 +**Quick answer:** Witness Protection Scheme 2018 (notified by SC + Ministry of Home Affairs): protection for witnesses in serious offences. Three threat categories: A (high), B (moderate), C (low). State-implemented.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== Key facts =====
 +  * 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
 +
 +===== Step-by-step =====
 +  - **Witness applies / court / IO refers** — To Competent Authority (DCP / SP).
 +  - **Threat assessment by police** — Within 5 days.
 +  - **Categorization: A/B/C** — Determines protection level.
 +  - **Protection implemented** — Various measures based on category.
 +  - **Periodic review** — Quarterly.
 +  - **RTI for scheme implementation status** — State Witness Protection Cell.
 +
 +===== Common issues =====
 +  * 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.
 +
 +===== If stuck — file an RTI =====
 +
 +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.
 +
 +<code>
 +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.
 +</code>
 +
 +**Auto-fill the PIO + your case:** [[:rti-for-court-case-delay|Open the AI RTI Drafter →]]
 +
 +===== Frequently asked questions =====
 +==== Cost to witness? ====
 +Free — fully state-funded.
 +
 +==== Identity-protection how? ====
 +Pseudonym in court records, separate hearing room, voice modulation, etc.
 +
 +==== How long does protection last? ====
 +Till threat exists (case-specific). Reviewed quarterly.
 +
 +==== Witness protection refusal — recourse? ====
 +Appeal to State Witness Protection Authority. Or writ petition.
 +
 +===== Summary + next step =====
 +
 +<WRAP center round tip 90%>
 +**Bottom line:** Witness Protection Scheme 2018 (notified by SC + Ministry of Home Affairs): protection for witnesses in serious offences. Three threat categories: A (high), B (moderate), C (low). State-implemented.
 +
 +  * **AI RTI Drafter:** [[:rti-for-court-case-delay|Auto-fill PIO + your case]]
 +  * **Browse all eCourts guides:** [[:ecourts:start|eCourts index]]
 +  * **Helplines + grievance:** [[:helplines:start|32 helplines]]
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== Related =====
 +  * [[:ecourts:start|All eCourts + judicial guides]]
 +  * [[:helplines:start|Helplines]]
 +  * [[:citizen-rti-playbook|Full RTI Playbook]]
 +
 +//Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.//
 +
 +{{tag>ecourts witness-protection judicial citizen-services}}