Justice Anant S. Dave, the acting Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court inaugurated Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centers (VWDCs) in two new districts courts of Bhrauch and Surat on 31st August, soon after the inauguration of the first VWDCs in Vadodra earlier this year.
Designed and conceptualised to guard the child witness, victims of sexual offences and other brutal crimes, these centers are a vital step towards safeguarding the witnesses and victims from the influence of accused side. These centers have an exclusive entry to the court rooms and refrains from intimidating the witness or victim by portraying a traditional court look.
The centers are equipped CCTV cameras and an audio-video linkage with court. These centers have been designed in compliance with the instructions issued by the Supreme Court in the matter of State of Maharashtra v. Bandu and Daulat and Sampurna Behura v. Uninon of India & Ors. to ensure that there is no direct physical communication between the judge, advocate or accused with the child witness/victim.
A special Support Person is appointed for the witness/victim, who will be responsible for facilitating communication between the court and the child witness/victim by putting in questions of the court in a friendly manner. Display units are installed in the court to live stream the interrogation to the court and to the accused present in the glass cubical in the court.
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