CJI-designate stresses need for witness protection

Kochi, Dec 22 (UNI) Chief Justice of India-designate K G Balakrishnan today stressed the need for proper protection of witnesses so that they could depose fearlessly in court.

Talking to media, who headed for his home here after the formal announcement of his appointment as the country's next Chief Justice, he said there was need to give police protection to witnesses.

'This will help prevent them from turning hostile,' he added.

Expressing happiness at his appointment as the next Chief Justice, he said 'even though I am happy. I am highly conscious of the heavy responsibility on my shoulders.' Stating that courts should hear the voice of the poor, Justice Balakrishnan said speedy disposal of cases would be among his priorities. The courts should stand by the side of the common man while being impartial and fair in dispensing justice, he said.

The Indian judiciary, he said, was known the world over for its independence and impartiality.

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