Spl complex at Tis Hazari for sensitive witnesses

New Delhi: To protect vulnerable witnesses, a special deposition complex was inaugurated at Tis Hazari courts on Tuesday. Delhi already has two such complexes at Karkardooma and Saket. Designed to have a playhouse in an open area with a pantry, a toy corner and comfortable seats, the complex is mainly for women and children witnesses. The specially designed complex was inaugurated by the Supreme Court’s Justice Madan B Lokur along with Delhi high court Chief Justice G Rohini, and Justices Gita Mittal and R K Gauba.
The judges said the complex would provide protection, confidentially and comfort to vulnerable witnesses in an in-camera atmosphere. The court also has a separate entry for vulnerable witnesses so that they never come face to face with the accused.
The complex has been equipped with all facilities for audiovisual exchange among the presiding judge, the witness and the accused. There are also arrangements for pretrial court visits and pick-and-drop facilities for the child witnesses from their residences.
Justice Lokur said more states should come up with such victim-friendly spaces.