BNSS Empowers Victims: A New Era in Criminal Justice

The new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) law, replacing the old CrPC, mandates victim participation in the criminal process. BNSS introduces Clause 360 ensuring victims are heard before case withdrawal. The law incorporates recommendations for participatory rights and compensatory justice.

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaced the British-era Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), came into force on Monday, ensuring that victims' views are considered before any case withdrawal application by the prosecutor is accepted by the court.

Previously, under Section 321 of the CrPC, prosecutors could withdraw a case anytime before judgement with the court's consent but without hearing from the victim. The BNSS introduced Clause 360, requiring victims to be heard before such withdrawals.

''This marks a significant recognition of victims as stakeholders in criminal trials,'' an official stated. The BNSS grants victims participatory rights, information access, and compensation for harm, based on recommendations from the 154th Law Commission Report (1996) and the Justice Malimath Committee Report (2003).

Clause 230 of the BNSS also grants crucial rights to victims and the accused, providing details of their case through mandatory police reports, FIRs, and witness statements to ensure effective participation in the criminal process. Officials stated that these provisions aim to keep victims informed throughout the investigation and trial.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)