Victim-Centric Justice Under BNS And BNSS: An Evolving Paradigm In Indian Criminal Law
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 19
- 1 min read
Pradyumna Bodkhe, B.A. LL.B., Manikchand Pahade Law College, Chh. Sambhajinagar
ABSTRACT
The victim is frequently reduced to a supporting role in India's criminal justice system, which has historically placed a strong emphasis on the state and the accused. However, a notable shift towards a victim-centric approach has emerged with the enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. These new laws, which represent a changing paradigm in Indian criminal law, seek to improve victims' rights, protection, and involvement in the criminal justice system.
This study investigates the idea of victim-centric justice and critically evaluates the pertinent BNS and BNSS provisions that are meant to empower victims. The victim's right to be heard, better compensation systems, time- bound investigation and trial procedures, anonymity protection in delicate cases, and victim legal aid are among the main areas of focus. Along with comparing these reforms to international norms and the previous framework under the IPC and CrPC, the paper assesses whether they adequately address the historical marginalization of victims.
Keywords: Victim-Centric Justice, Criminal Law Reform, Victim Rights, Criminal Procedure, Victim Protection, Legal Reforms in India
