Research Scholar, Department of Law, Baba Masthnath University, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
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Victim Rights in the Indian Criminal Justice System: An Analysis of Legal Protection
UnivColl International Multidisciplinary Research Journal International Open Access, Peer-reviewed, Refereed Journal
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10.65919/uimrj.2026.v2i7003
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Received
11 May 2026
Accepted
08 June 2026
Published
07 July 2026
Abstract
Victim rights constitute an essential element of a fair, humane, and accountable criminal justice system. This paper examines the legal protection available to victims within the Indian criminal justice framework and evaluates the extent to which existing laws recognise victims as active rights bearing participants rather than merely as informants or prosecution witnesses. The study analyses the constitutional foundation of victim protection under Articles 14, 21, and 39A of the Constitution of India, along with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. It also considers specialised protections available under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Particular attention is given to victims’ rights concerning complaint registration, investigation updates, legal aid, privacy, medical assistance, participation in trial, compensation, appeal, witness protection, and rehabilitation. The study finds that although India has developed a broad legal framework for victim protection, practical barriers such as procedural delay, institutional insensitivity, intimidation, inadequate awareness, inconsistent compensation, and weak coordination continue to limit its effectiveness. It concludes that stronger implementation, victim sensitive training, timely compensation, regular case information, and coordinated institutional support are necessary to achieve meaningful victim-centred justice.
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Copyright © 2026 UnivColl International Multidisciplinary Research Journal. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License . Authors retain copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication.
How to Cite
Tanisha (2026). Victim Rights in the Indian Criminal Justice System: An Analysis of Legal Protection. UnivColl International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 2(7), 20-31. https://doi.org/10.65919/uimrj.2026.v2i7003
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References
Showing first 3 references. Click “Show All References” to view complete list.
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