Video conferencing in the trial of trans border crimes: A good practice model in victim protection
- The Indian Police Journal
- 67(1), Jan-Mar, 2020: p.134-144
In the criminal justice regime, we have enough more and more materials upholding the rights of the suspect and accused, but hardly do we come across the bold decisions upholding the rights of victim. However, in the recent past, things have changed for the good. Besides some judicial pronouncements, outstanding initiatives by law enforcement officers, including police, prosecutors, as well as NGOs, are making good grounds. This article by Dr PM Nair, the father of the anti-human trafficking movement and mission in India, explains the procedures and protocols in respect of video conferencing in the trial of human trafficking crimes, including trans-border. This is a good step to help the reader in not only expediting the justice delivery process, but also in ensuring the rights of the victims. It is a great initiative in victimology, started with the Special court in Mumbai, where the victim was stationed at Kathmandu. The trial was conducted through video conferencing after observing all precautions and protocols, leading to the conviction of the of the accused for 10 years. This was followed by two more cases where the victims were from Bangladesh and were repatriated when the trial came up. They deposed from Bangladesh. Based on this innovative experience, and on the request of the stakeholders, an SOP has been prepared in 2017 by Dr PM Nair. This article covers these protocols and is, therefore, a great tool for the guidance to all persons involving in the justice delivery process. – Reproduced
Court Trial, Good practice, Human trafficking, Justice delivery, Trans-border crime, Victim care, Victimology, Video conferencing.