S I T UAT I O N I N G U JA R AT 'whether any measures have been taken to protect the safety, physical and psychological well-being, dignity and privacy of victims and witnesses who have to depose either in court or before the Commission of Inquiry and, if so, the nature of that protection to enable them to depose freely and fearlessly.' The Director-General of Police shall send a report in this behalf to the Commission within two weeks." 3.18 A report dated 3 June 2003 was received from the Director-General of Police. It stated that a total of 2037 cases had been charge-sheeted in various criminal courts in the State. Responding to the specific query put to him, the Director General indicated that in the absence of any specific complaint from any witness/victim, it would not be possible for the State Police to accord protection to each and every witness/victim. He added that witnesses are free to approach police officers to seek protection and further submitted that prompt action had been taken to provide due protection to witnesses/victims when so requested in the following cases: (i) "Ahmedabad City Naroda Police Station CR No. 238/02 and Naroda Police Station CR No. 100/02. In these cases witness Nadeem Mohammad Ali Saiyed, r/o Jubapura, Ahmedabad City, had filed SCA No. 488/02 before the Hon. High Court of Gujarat for police protection. Accordingly, he has been provided with a Constable (in 2 shifts), with effect from 5.9.2002. (ii) During the visit of Hon. Justice Nanavati Commission to Banaskantha district on 30.4.2003, some Muslim victims of village Navasesan, taluka Deodar, had requested for police protection. From that day onwards, 7 Border Wing Police Jawans along with 2 Mounted Policemen had been deployed in that village, which arrangement has continued till date." The Director General of Police then assured the Commission that "…… all the Superintendents of Police and Commissioners of Police have been duly instructed to ensure that the protection is given immediately whenever any witness/victim requests the same or expresses apprehension to his safety." 3.19 The Commission took note of this response in its Proceedings dated 16 June 2003 and expressed the hope that witnesses/victims will appear before ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003 ... ... 35 ... ... ..