(a) wether the Government has any data on witnesses turning hostile;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the effective steps taken by the Government to check the trend and also to ensure that false
witnessing does not result in accquital of real culprits and conviction of innocent persons?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS(SHRIMATI RADHIKA V. SELVI)
(a) to (c): Data in respect of witnesses turning hostile is not maintained. Such information is
not being received from courts.
(d) To ensure reliability of witness during deposition in court and also to contain the menace
of witnesses turning hostile, the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2006 has, inter
alia, proposal to insert new sections 164B and 344A in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 to
provide that the statements of all persons which appear to be material and essential for proper
investigation of the case relating to offences punishable with death or imprisonment for ten
years or more shall be recorded on oath by Magistrate who will also satisfy himself that such
person is making the statement voluntarily and not under any inducement, threat or promise and
also to enhance the punishment for perjury after the summary trail.