JK Govt introduces Bill to prevent witnesses turning hostile

Jammu, Jan 9 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir government today introduced a bill in the Legislative Assembly, seeking amendments in the penal code to prevent the evil of witnesses turning hostile and ensure more accurate investigation process.

The bill seeks amendments in the Jammu and Kashmir State Ranbir Penal Code (Samvat 1989), the Code of Criminal Procedure (Samvat 1989) and Evidence Act (Samvat 1977).

According to the government, the amendments would help prevent the evil of witnesses turning hostile in criminal cases in the court.

The amendment would introduce the concept of plea bargaining to reduce the delay in the disposal of criminal trials and appeals and also to alleviate the sufferings of under trial prisoners.

The Bill seeks inclusion of more scientific experts in cases relating to fake currency notes to get scientific evidence.

The proposed amendments would make the investigation of the criminal cases more accurate and perfect by getting the statements made by a person before the inquiry officer to be reduced in writing and signed by him, copy of which to be provided to him free of cost to enable him to refresh his memory at the time of his deposition before the court, government said.

The proposed amendments pertain to insertion of section 195-A in RPC (Samvat 1989); Section 161-A, 164-A, 265-A, 265-B, 265-C, 265-D, 265-E, 265-F, 265-G, 265-H, 265-I, 265-J, 265-K, 476 and 479-B in the CrPC (Samvat 1989) and sub-section (2) in section 154 of the Evidence Act of Samvat 1977.

Meanwhile, state government introduced another bill seeking amendment of section 4 in the Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examination (JKBPEE) Act, 2002, to bring transparency in the appointment of the Chairman of the Board as he should be appointed by the government on the recommendations of Screening Committee headed by the Chief Secretary.

Moreover, the choice of appointment to the posts of Secretary and Controller of Examination or the Board has been widened by including academicians from universities or institutions.

UNI