LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF VICTIM COMPENSATION

AUTHOR – AAKASH YADAV, STUDENT AT AMITY INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED LEGAL STUDIES AMITY UNIVERSITY NOIDA

BEST CITATION – AAKASH YADAV, LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF VICTIM COMPENSATION, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (5) OF 2025, PG. 502-512, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

Abstract

This research article explores the historical and legal evolution of the Victim Compensation Scheme (VCS) in India. It traces the development of victim rights and restorative justice principles from early legislative efforts to more recent and comprehensive reforms such as the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, and the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Central to this transformation is the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in institutionalizing support for victims, especially those impacted by violent crimes, trafficking, and domestic abuse. Through a review of landmark judicial rulings, the paper highlights the judiciary’s pivotal role in expanding and enforcing victim compensation as a legal right. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in the form of inconsistent implementation, administrative inefficiencies, and lack of awareness among the public. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for judicial activism, administrative reforms, and increased public engagement to ensure equitable and timely compensation for crime victims.

Key Words: Victim Compensation, Restorative Justice, NALSA, Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023