Gauhati High Court wants temporary vulnerable witness centres

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: A division bench of the Gauhati High Court comprising Justice Achintya Malla Bujor Barua and Justice Robin Phukan formed an interim view upon deliberation that "there is an immediate requirement to put in at least some temporary facilities for the purpose of Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centre". All the officers – State PWD (Building and NH) Secretary Chandan Sarma and Secretary to the Government of Assam in the Judicial Department MR Barbhuiya – were in agreement with the interim view of the respective district judges of all the districts in the state.

In consultation with the Judicial Department, along with the respective Secretaries of DLSA of the districts, the officers shall try to identify a suitable space within the existing facilities which can be temporarily converted or be used as a 'Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centre'.

"The updates on the issues involved be provided in the form of a report before

the Court on the next returnable date as to the availability and identification of any such place within the existing facilities," the order said. The bench also said that the respective district judges should look into the aspect of availability of space as indicated above, also for the sub-divisions, wherein also deposition of vulnerable witnesses may take place.

The Court listed the PIL (60/2019) and suo motto PIL (1/2018) for hearing on February 6, 2023, when the government should submit its report.

The Court also sought the personal appearance of the Secretary to the Government of Assam in the PW (Building & NH) Department and the Secretary to the Government of Assam in the Judicial Department in the next hearing.

The Court brought this order to the notice of the Joint Registrar (PM&P) Gauhati High Court for onward transmission of the order to the respective district judges for doing the needful.

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