Haryana High Court Takes Action on Witness Protection Denial in Asaram Bapu Case
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has formally put the state of Haryana on notice in response to a petition filed by a key prosecution witness involved in multiple high-profile sexual assault and rape cases against spiritual leader Asaram Bapu and his son Narayan Sai. The witness is seeking benefits under the Haryana Witness Protection Scheme, alleging severe threats to his life, including a firearm attack that resulted in permanent disability.
Court Proceedings and Allegations
Justice Jagmohan Bansal, presiding over the case, has fixed August 13 as the next date of hearing after accepting the petition. The witness had moved the court to challenge an order dated September 10, 2025, issued by the Panipat district-level competent authority, which rejected his request for protection benefits. According to the petition, the witness has faced repeated attempts on his life, most notably a firearm attack on May 13, 2015, which caused him to suffer a 41 percent permanent disability. An FIR was registered in connection with this incident.
The counsel for the petitioner stated that multiple representations were made to authorities seeking protection, but the application was ultimately rejected by the respondent-authority. The impugned order denied both financial assistance and security cover under the witness protection scheme. During the hearing, the law officer representing Haryana accepted the notice on behalf of the state and requested time to take instructions and file a formal reply.
Background and Implications
This case highlights critical issues in the implementation of witness protection schemes in India, particularly in sensitive legal matters involving high-profile individuals. The witness's role is pivotal in the sexual assault and rape cases against Asaram Bapu and Narayan Sai, which have drawn significant public and media attention over the years. The denial of protection benefits raises concerns about the safety and support mechanisms for individuals who come forward in such cases, potentially impacting the fairness and integrity of judicial processes.
The Haryana Witness Protection Scheme is designed to safeguard witnesses from intimidation and harm, ensuring their cooperation in legal proceedings. The court's intervention underscores the judiciary's role in upholding these protections and holding state authorities accountable for their decisions. As the case progresses, it will be closely watched for its implications on witness rights and the broader legal framework in India.
