Supreme Court Stresses Victim-Centric Criminal Justice System Approach
Why in the News ?
The Supreme Court of India emphasised the need for a more victim-centric criminal justice system while rejecting a plea seeking consolidation of multiple FIRs linked to a large chit fund scam investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Supreme Court’s Observations on Victims’ Rights
● The Supreme Court observed that criminal jurisprudence in India has traditionally remained overly focused on the rights of the accused, similar to how environmental jurisprudence has evolved to balance development with protection principles.
● Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated that victims are often neglected within the criminal justice process.
● The court highlighted the hardship poor investors would face if cases were transferred to a single location for trial.
● According to the Bench, victims from remote regions cannot be expected to travel long distances merely to pursue recovery of small investments.
● The remarks came during the hearing of a plea filed by an accused in the multi-crore Micro Finance Limited chit fund scam.
Court’s Stand on FIRs and Territorial Jurisdiction
● The accused sought consolidation of FIRs registered in different States into one investigation and trial.
● The petitioner argued that all acts formed part of a larger criminal conspiracy and therefore should be treated as a single offence.
● The Supreme Court rejected this interpretation, stating that each separate act of cheating creates an independent territorial jurisdiction.
● Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that conspiracy charges and overt criminal acts may be tried before different courts, applying the precautionary principle to protect victims’ access to justice.
● After the Bench indicated its unwillingness to grant relief, the petitioner withdrew the plea.
| About FIR and Criminal Justice System: ● An FIR (First Information Report) is the first official document recorded by police regarding the commission of a cognisable offence. ● The criminal justice system in India consists of police, prosecution, judiciary, and correctional institutions. ● The principle of territorial jurisdiction allows courts to try offences committed within their geographical area. ● Victim-centric justice focuses on compensation, accessibility, protection, and participation of victims in criminal proceedings, similar to the polluter pays principle in environmental law. ● The Central Bureau of Investigation is India’s premier investigative agency handling major corruption, economic offences, and serious criminal cases. |