Court directs CBI to consider witness' plea for security

A court here has directed the CBI to consider the request of a prosecution witness in a corruption case against former Haryan chief minister O.P. Chautala's son Abhay for adequate security to him and his family, observing that "a witness in a criminal case is eyes and ears of justice".

Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Judge Sanjay Garg's direction came while hearing plea of the witness, sitting Haryana legislator Karan Singh Dalal.

Dalal, who represents Palwal, has sought seeking appropriate security arrangements for him and his family alleging that they were being threatened by Abhay Chautala and his family members.

"A witness in a criminal case is eyes and ears of justice. The law is settled that a witness should be given an environment where he should be able to depose true facts in a carefree manner without any coercion or pressure," the court said.

However it noted that Haryana Police have provided security to Dalal and when he appeared before it for his deposition, a constable accompanied him as a security guard.

The court said it was not possible for it to evaluate the threat perception to the witness and only security forces, aided by intelligence agencies, are in a position to do so.

In view of that, the court said: "Director, CBI, is directed to consider the request of the witness for providing adequate security to him and his family, taking appropriate steps as per law, with intimation to this court."

The order was delivered on Friday but was released on Monday.