Chief Justice Opens Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centre at Jammu District Court

JAMMU, MAY 06: Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Arun Palli inaugurated a new Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centre at the District Court Complex in Jammu today.

This facility represents a major advancement in the region’s justice delivery system, specifically designed to protect children, victims of sexual offenses, and persons with disabilities.

The inauguration was attended by several High Court judges, including Sindhu Sharma, Rajnesh Oswal, Rahul Bharti, Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Rajesh Sekhri, Mohd. Yousuf Wani, and Shahzad Azeem, along with Registrar General Mohinder Kumar Sharma and Principal District and Sessions Judge Ravinder Nath Watal.

The newly established center is designed to provide a safe and non-intimidating environment that prevents secondary victimization during legal proceedings. In compliance with Supreme Court guidelines, the facility is equipped with modern infrastructure such as one-way mirrors, separate waiting areas, and live-link video conferencing tools.

These features allow witnesses to provide evidence without direct confrontation with the accused, ensuring the recording of evidence is conducted with the necessary sensitivity and fairness required for high-stakes trials.

During the ceremony, Chief Justice Palli highlighted that the establishment of the center reflects the judiciary’s firm commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of vulnerable individuals. He emphasized that the facility is essential for ensuring fair trials where witnesses can depose without fear or trauma.

The event also saw participation from Bar President Nirmal Kishore Kotwal, Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli, and various judicial officers, all marking the transition toward a more victim-centric judicial framework in the Union Territory.