Guwahati, Assam: The state of Meghalaya has formally adopted the Witness Protection Scheme 2025, a significant step towards bolstering its criminal justice system. The announcement was made today by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, marking a crucial development in safeguarding individuals who come forward to provide crucial testimony in legal proceedings.
Chief Minister Sangma took to social media to confirm the decision, stating, “Cabinet has approved the Meghalaya Witness Protection Scheme, 2025. With the implementation of 3 new Criminal Laws i.e BNS, BNSS & BSA and these laws mandated a Witness Protection Scheme to be implemented by State Governments. A complete mechanism and Laws have been included to protect witnesses as mandated.” This declaration underscores the state government’s commitment to aligning with the newly enacted national criminal laws.
The implementation of this scheme arrives at a pivotal time, as states throughout India are actively establishing witness protection frameworks in accordance with the recently revamped criminal justice architecture. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which have replaced outdated colonial-era laws, explicitly require states to institute comprehensive measures for witness protection.
This legislative mandate seeks to rectify a persistent deficiency within India’s criminal justice system, where the intimidation of witnesses has often posed a significant obstacle to successful prosecutions and the delivery of justice. By enacting the Witness Protection Scheme 2025, Meghalaya aims to create a secure environment that encourages individuals with vital information to step forward without fear of reprisal.
Meghalaya now joins a growing number of states across the nation that have taken proactive steps to implement witness protection measures under the ambit of the new criminal codes, which came into force in the preceding year. This collective effort signals a nationwide push towards a more robust and reliable criminal justice system that prioritizes the safety and security of those who play a critical role in it.
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