Tripura introduces Witness Protection Scheme : CM Dr. Manik Saha

Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Sunday announced that the Tripura government has implemented a Witness Protection Scheme to ensure the safety and cooperation of witnesses, a critical aspect in the delivery of justice.

Addressing a gathering, Dr. Saha said the initiative is part of the state’s commitment to effectively implement the three newly enacted criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—which came into force from July 1, 2024.

“These laws are a testament to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. They reflect a shift from colonial-era frameworks towards a justice-driven, technology-enabled system that is citizen-centric, victim-friendly, and time-bound,” Dr. Saha said.

He noted that new offences such as terrorism, mob lynching, and organised crime have been incorporated, which were previously missing from the legal framework. Moreover, the new laws provide stricter penalties for crimes against women and children, ensuring faster and more transparent justice.

Recalling a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Guwahati on March 16, 2025, the Chief Minister said discussions were held with all northeastern states to monitor the preparedness for implementing these laws. “Tripura had some gaps, which were acknowledged and addressed. These laws are designed to deliver real-time justice by leveraging technology in investigations and court processes,” he added.

Highlighting key provisions under the new regime, Dr. Saha informed that both victims and the accused must receive crucial documents—including the FIR, police report, witness statements, and confessions—within 14 days of registration.

On the Witness Protection Scheme, the Chief Minister said, “Due to social stigma, witness cooperation has always been a challenge. But through this scheme, we aim to build trust and provide necessary safeguards to ensure their active participation in the justice process.”

As Tripura’s Home Minister, Dr. Saha emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to implement the new laws in both letter and spirit. “Law and order in the state is currently stable, and we are constantly working to strengthen it further,” he said.

He also stressed the need for intensive awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the new laws. “People should know their rights and the provisions available to them. From evidence collection to victim care, we’ll organise training and outreach to support proper enforcement,” he said.

The Chief Minister further informed that under the new laws:

• FIRs can now be registered at any police station in the state.

• In rape cases, the Health Department must submit its report within seven days and victims will receive free treatment.

• NDPS cases and procedural updates were also discussed to ensure smoother law enforcement.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Jitendra Kumar Sinha, DGP Anurag, Home Secretary Abhishek Singh, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, Law Secretary Sanjay Bhattacharjee, and Secretary for Home and Jail, Brijesh Pandey, among other senior officials.