In an effort to make vulnerable witnesses at ease with the tribulations of court proceedings, Tis Hazari court on Tuesday inaugurated the Vulnerable Witness Courts complex, which will provide separate space for unguarded victims specially children and witnesses of sexual abuse to depose their statements.
The specially-designed deposition complex was launched by Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B lokur along with Delhi HC Chief Justice G Rohini, Justice Geeta Mittal and Justice RK Gauba. Delhi Commission of Women Chairman Swati Maliwal also attended the launch programme.
The deposition complex has been designed as per the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court of India and Delhi High Court.
It has a separate witness room, separate accused room, play area for the child witnesses, pantry and a separate toilet. A waiting area has also been provided.
The complex has a separate entry for vulnerable witnesses, so that they do not come in direct contact with accused at any point of time. Support persons, pre-trial court visit and facilities for pick and drop of the witnesses from their residence has also been provided in the complex.
The inauguration ceremony observed the importance of the deposition complex. According to a court official, “Witnesses will be comfortable in deposing their statements as it a challenging task for the victims and witnesses to explain their ordeal in the presence of the culprit. Also, having a child witness is a really challenging task and leaves a mark on the memory of child. This court will reduce the chance of these short comings on the future of those children.”
“This complex will minimise the chances of witnesses who turn hostile due to pressure from the accused. In this scenario, rape victims and children are the most vulnerable,” he added.
Justice lokur while delivering speech on this occasion said, “It’s a great achievement. Situation for witnesses has improved significantly due to this. This concept is spreading to other parts of the country and more states should come with vulnerable witness rooms.”
Delhi High Court Chief Justice G Rohini, who also marked her presence, said, “It is an established fact that the testimonies of the witnesses form an essential ingredient in a criminal trial. The role of victim can never be lost sight of. He or she is an inseparable stakeholder in the process of adjudicatoion.”
Justice Gita Mittal said that these courtrooms are much needed and are of great use for victims such as disabled people, lGBT community people, sex workers, acid attack victims, who can easily give their statements who will now be easily giving their statements.