Page 57 - RESEARCH HANDBOOK FOR LL.M. AND PHD

A Model/Sample for Writing the Statement of Annexure – XII
Problem, Objectives, Hypothesis and Research Design etc.

Statement of Problem:
The present study intended to focus upon the issues and problems relating to witnesses of
certain criminal offences, With the help of doctrinal and, non-doctrinal method, the proposed
exercise attempted to know as to why and in what circumstances the witnesses turn hostile. Are
there any specific factors, which induce hostility of a witnesses? Do the incidents of cooperation
or hostility tend to vary along the types and characteristics of witness. A systematic probe in to
some of these questions has been made in the study. Besides, the study also endeavoured to find
as to what are the key problems that the witness faces in his interaction with police, prosecution
and court officials. The issue of hostility and protection have been examined in the light of
significant judgements. The perceptions of witnesses on several crucial aspects have also been
studied to project a comprehensive picture of the issue under study. Finally the study also took
also a critical view of the need for witnesses protection and the suggestion made by certain
bodies have been geared to a critical review. The study has been generated by the key
assumptions that without resolving the basic issues and problems being faced by witnesses, their
co-operation can not be elicited for the purpose of a free and fair trial.

Objectives:

The study was geared to achieve the following objectives:
To outline the relevant legal provisions pertaining to witness.
To examine the issue of hostility of witness and the emerging debates on the issue especially

in the light of leading judgements of courts and other publications.
To study the experiences and problems of witnesses in their interaction with police,
prosecution and court.
To critically review the idea of witness protection in the light relevant legal provisions.

46 | National Law University, Delhi