A witness of an acid attack is reluctant to come forward due to fear of retaliation. What legal protections can be offered to ensure their safety?
In cases where a witness of an acid attack is reluctant to come forward due to fear of retaliation, various legal protections can be offered to ensure their safety. Witness protection programs are designed to safeguard individuals providing crucial information in criminal cases. In India, the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018, outlines measures to ensure the safety of witnesses and their family members. This may include keeping the identity of the witness confidential, providing them with a secure place of residence, and offering security personnel if necessary. The court can issue orders to restrict the public disclosure of the witness's identity. Additionally, legal provisions such as Section 195A of the Indian Penal Code make it an offense to disclose the identity of a witness in certain cases, adding an extra layer of protection. These measures aim to encourage witnesses to come forward, contribute to the legal process, and ensure justice is served while mitigating concerns about potential reprisals.