THE PRIYADARSHINI MATTOO CASE: A CASE STUDY OF VICTIMOLOGY, STATE FAILURE, AND DELAYED JUSTICE
AUTHOR – POOJA S, STUDENT AT THE TAMILNADU DR AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, CHENNA
BEST CITATION – POOJA S, THE PRIYADARSHINI MATTOO CASE: A CASE STUDY OF VICTIMOLOGY, STATE FAILURE, AND DELAYED JUSTICE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (14) OF 2025, PG. 965-970, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTRACT
The Priyadarshini Mattoo case represents a profound illustration of systemic failure in the Indian criminal justice system, particularly in addressing crimes against women preceded by persistent threats and harassment. Despite repeated complaints made by the victim regarding stalking and intimidation, institutional apathy and investigative inaction culminated in her brutal rape and murder in 1996. The case underwent a complex judicial trajectory, beginning with an acquittal by the trial court, followed by reversal and imposition of the death penalty by the Delhi High Court, and concluding with commutation of the sentence to life imprisonment by the Supreme Court of India. This case study undertakes a detailed examination of the factual background, procedural history, judicial reasoning, and victimological dimensions of the case. It critically analyses issues such as secondary victimisation, abuse of influence, investigative lapses, appellate correction of miscarriage of justice, and sentencing jurisprudence. The study highlights the broader implications of the case for victim protection mechanisms, police accountability, and the administration of criminal justice in India.
KEYWORDS Priyadarshini Mattoo Case; Victimology; Crimes Against Women; Secondary Victimisation; Criminal Justice System; Investigative Lapses; Appellate Review; Gender Justice; Sentencing Jurisprudence.