For a long time, Indian criminal law focused almost entirely on the accused and the state. Victims often remained silent participants in proceedings that directly affected their lives. Over the years, courts and lawmakers have spoken about changing this approach. The idea of victim-centric justice in India now promises dignity, participation, and protection. The real question lies in how far this promise reaches everyday practice.
The Shift Toward Recognising Victims
Indian law has gradually acknowledged the role of victims in the justice process. Amendments expanded rights related to compensation, legal representation, and participation. Courts emphasised dignity and sensitivity, especially in cases involving sexual violence and serious harm. This shift aimed to move victims from the margins to the centre of criminal proceedings.
Rights Promised to Victims
Victim-centric justice promises several safeguards. These include the right to be heard, access to information, compensation, and protection from intimidation. Victims can now engage lawyers in certain proceedings. Compensation schemes exist at state levels. On paper, these measures recognise harm beyond punishment alone.
The Reality Inside Police Stations
Practice often diverges from principle at the first point of contact. Many victims face delay in registering complaints. Insensitive questioning discourages cooperation. Fear of retaliation remains strong. When initial response fails, trust erodes quickly. Victim-centric justice struggles to take root without supportive policing.
Courtroom Experience and Emotional Cost
Court processes remain complex and slow. Repeated adjournments prolong trauma. Cross-examination often feels hostile. Protective measures exist but apply unevenly. Victims experience justice as exhausting rather than empowering. Time itself becomes a source of harm.
Compensation and Rehabilitation Gaps
Compensation schemes promise relief but suffer from delays and low awareness. Rehabilitation services remain limited. Medical, psychological, and social support often depend on local capacity. Without holistic care, legal remedies feel incomplete. Justice must heal, not just conclude cases.
Inequality in Access and Outcomes
Class, caste, gender, and geography shape outcomes. Marginalised victims face higher barriers in asserting rights. Legal aid varies in quality. Language and digital gaps exclude many. Victim-centric justice in India cannot succeed without addressing these structural inequalities.
Courts and Their Expanding Role
Courts increasingly acknowledge victim rights through guidelines and judgments. Judicial directions improve procedures and sensitivity. Yet courts depend on enforcement by other institutions. Without coordination, progress remains uneven and fragile.
What True Victim-Centric Justice Requires?
True reform needs institutional commitment. Training for police and prosecutors matters. Time-bound procedures reduce trauma. Protection and support services must scale. Awareness empowers victims to assert rights. Coordination transforms intent into practice.
Conclusion
Victim-centric justice in India reflects a powerful shift in legal thinking. The promise stands clear in law and judgments. Practice still lags due to enforcement gaps and systemic strain. Justice becomes meaningful when victims feel heard, protected, and supported throughout the process, not only at its end.
