Tis Hazari gives creature comforts to vulnerable witnesses

Asia largest court complex - Tis Hazari- now houses a vulnerable witness court room. While this is the third district court to have the new facility in the premises, after Karkardooma and Saket District Court, it has an add-on feature - an exclusive entry for the vulnerable witnesses to enter the main building.

The vulnerable witness complex has a court with a room for the accused attached to it. On the other hand, the witness room is a separate room that has a play area for the child witnesses, pantry, restroom and a waiting area.

Justice Madan B Lokur, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, inaugurated the complex on Monday along with G Rohini, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Justice Gita Mittal and Justice RK Gauba.

Justice Lokur 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 up with vulnerable witness rooms."

The new complex has been designed as per the guidelines laid down by SC and Delhi HC to enable the recording of evidences of vulnerable witnesses. "The guidelines aim at preventing secondary traumatic experiences that a witness or a victim faces while participating in the legal proceedings," said Justice Gita Mittal while explaining the concept of the special room. The complex has been equipped with all facilities of audio-visual exchange for a free interface between the judge, witness and accused without the witness having to face the accused. There are also provisions for support persons, pre-trial court visits and pick and drop facilities for witnesses.

Chief Justice G Rohini said, "Eye witnesses or victims turning hostile is one of the most important factors for many cases ending in acquittal. Witnesses turning hostile may be on account of threats, coercion, monetary considerations and political clouts. If the witness is incapacitated from acting as eyes and ears of justice, the trial gets paralysed and it no longer can constitute as a fair trial.