India's judicial system must pivot focus to victim rights, says CJI

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has underscored the need for India's judicial framework to shift its primary focus toward safeguarding the rights and interests of crime victims, departing from its traditional emphasis on the accused and criminal conduct.

Justice Kant made the observation while formally inaugurating a Victim Rights Centre (VRC) at the Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA) headquarters. The centre is designed to provide comprehensive support and assistance to victims navigating the criminal justice system.

"Our judicial system has long concentrated on the accused and the offence itself," the Chief Justice noted, highlighting a structural imbalance in how the Indian courts have traditionally approached criminal cases. He emphasized that this approach has inadvertently sidelined the plight and concerns of those directly harmed by crimes.

The establishment of the VRC in Bihar represents a step toward institutionalizing victim support within the legal framework. Such centres typically offer guidance on victim compensation schemes, legal procedures, counseling services, and assistance in filing complaints and testimony preparation.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts across Indian states to strengthen victim protection mechanisms and ensure that criminal justice delivers equitable outcomes for all stakeholders, not merely those accused of offences.