Published Paper Details:

The concept of victim compensation represents a significant shift in the criminal justice system from an offender-centric approach to a victim-oriented model of justice. In India, the introduction of Section 357A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) through the 2008 amendment marked a legislative milestone, recognizing the state's responsibility to provide monetary relief and rehabilitation to victims of crime. Despite this progressive legal framework, the implementation of victim compensation schemes remains inconsistent across states due to administrative lapses, lack of awareness, and inadequate funding mechanisms. This study critically analyzes the evolution, legal framework, and practical operation of the Victim Compensation Scheme in India. It examines the judicial interpretation of victim rights through landmark cases such as Bodhisattwa Gautam v. Subhra Chakraborty (1996), Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa (1993), and Ankush Shivaji Gaikwad v. State of Maharashtra (2013). A comparative perspective is also explored by referencing international instruments like the United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power (1985) and foreign compensation models in the United Kingdom and the United States. The research finds that while the judiciary has played a proactive role in recognizing victims' rights and enforcing compensation, systemic inefficiencies continue to hinder the realization of complete restorative justice. The paper concludes that effective implementation requires uniform national guidelines, enhanced coordination between legal service authorities and law enforcement agencies, and a greater focus on victim rehabilitation rather than mere financial compensation.