Jammu, May 6 Chief Justice Arun Palli of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh inaugurated a Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centre (VWDC) here on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards ensuring child-friendly and victim-sensitive justice delivery.
Officials said the facility was established to prevent secondary victimisation and enable fair and sensitive evidence recording, reinforcing a victim-centric approach within the justice system in the Union Territory.
They said the centre will provide a safe, non-intimidating and conducive environment for vulnerable witnesses, including children, victims of sexual offences and persons with disabilities, to depose before courts without fear or distress.
Officials said the VWDC is equipped with modern amenities such as separate waiting areas, live-link video conferencing, one-way mirrors and child-friendly infrastructure, to minimise trauma during trial proceedings in line with the Supreme Court of India's guidelines.
The Chief Justice said the centre's establishment reflects the judiciary's commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of vulnerable witnesses while ensuring fair trial processes free from intimidation or trauma.
