The Menace of Hostile Witnesses: Strengthening Legal Provisions for Fair Trials

ABSTRACT

Success of any system of justice is intricately linked with the believability and genuineness of evidence provided by witnesses. But the age-old problem of hostile witnesses has gravely impaired the impartial dispensation of justice, particularly in juridical systems such as India. The article sets out to explore the regime of statute and jurisprudence governing hostile witnesses, critically analyzes milestone judicial precedents, and evaluates international best practices in order to stem this scourge. Moreover, it also makes certain far-reaching legal and procedural reforms that are needed to further secure witnesses and preserve the integrity of well-functioning fair trial principles.