Abstract
In an adversarial system like ours, criminal cases become a contest between the accused and the State, represented by the Public Prosecutor. There is very little role envisaged for the victim, who is the most affected by the crime. Her plight is forgotten in the battle for supremacy between the State and the accused. Instead of being the focus of the debate, she becomes the mere cause for it. This article looks at the role of the victim in the Indian Criminal Justice System and argues for making her an important player in the system, instead to relegating her to the side-lines. Not only will this provide much needed relief and succour to the victims, but will also help in the proper implementation of criminal justice in India. Further, the article makes a case for providing effective justice to the victim by supplementing her participation in criminal proceedings, with compensation for damages suffered due to the crime, and support services to ensure her proper recovery and rehabilitation. In conclusion, the article seeks to suggest ways and means of making the criminal justice delivery mechanism victim friendly and sensitive, so that it can meet the challenges faced by the victim and provide effective justice to those affected by crime.
Recommended Citation
Reddi, Justice P.V.
(2006)
"Role of the Victim in the Criminal Justice Process,"
National Law School of India Review: Vol. 18:
Iss.
1, Article 1.
Available at:
https://repository.nls.ac.in/nlsir/vol18/iss1/1
