Tag: #crime

This article discusses the impact of natural, physical, and social environments, as well as factors such as dysfunctional families, substance abuse, and unemployment. The article emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to address these issues and highlights the implications of environmental factors on crime from a legal perspective.

Introduction

An individual’s surroundings hold significant sway over their behaviour, even in ways that may not be immediately apparent. For instance, the force of gravity is a constant presence in our lives, impacting every aspect of our physical being from the way we move to the way we breathe. Similarly, the environment in which we reside can have a profound impact on our actions, particularly when it comes to criminal activity.

The importance of studying the effects of surroundings on criminal behaviour has become increasingly clear as urban populations continue to rise. Historically, cities have had higher crime rates than rural areas, and this trend is expected to persist as cities become more densely populated and technologically advanced. Like our childhood experiences that shape our perspectives and behaviour, our surroundings can greatly influence the likelihood of engaging in criminal activity. To create a safer and more secure society, it is critical to comprehend the intricate connections between social, physical, and natural environments.

Natural Environment and Its Influence on Criminal Activity

The natural environment can have a profound impact on human behaviour and mental states, potentially leading to changes that increase the likelihood of criminal activity. For instance, research has shown that temperature can be a significant factor in predicting certain types of violent crime. Studies conducted in South Korea, Pakistan, the United States, and New Zealand have all found a correlation between higher temperatures and increased crime rates, especially during the summer months. Conversely, lower temperatures have been linked to lower rates of criminal activity. These findings suggest that natural forces can affect individuals both physically and emotionally, potentially leading to out-of-character behaviours that may result in criminal acts. For example, extreme weather events such as hurricanes and heat waves have been shown to increase property and violent crimes. Furthermore, changes in climate and temperature are expected to have even more significant impacts on crime rates in the future.

Air pollution is another natural factor that has been shown to impact crime rates. The presence of pollutants in the air can have neurological effects on individuals, which can affect their cognitive function and lead to an increased risk of criminal activity. For example, a study conducted by Nevin in the United States found a correlation between lead concentration in gasoline, changes in IQ levels, and an increase in violent crime rates. When lead was removed from gasoline, there was a significant decline in the number of individuals with neurological problems and violent crimes. Other studies have also explored the relationship between air pollutants like carbon monoxide, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and ozone and their effects on crime rates. For instance, some studies have suggested that higher levels of carbon monoxide can lead to a reduction in burglary cases. These findings highlight the importance of considering the impact of the natural environment on crime rates and the potential role of air pollution in shaping criminal behaviour. Therefore, it is important to consider the influence of the natural environment when analyzing patterns and trends in criminal activity.

Physical Environments in Crime

Physical environments’ impact on crime is increasingly being recognized and studied by developed countries. The issue is not receiving the attention it deserves, despite its significant impact on society. Three levels of study, namely Micro, Macro, and Meso, are used to understand how physical features in our surroundings affect crime. Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)^[1] is a multi-disciplinary approach that utilizes urban and architectural design, as well as the management of built and natural environments, to prevent crime.

Understanding the impact of physical environments on crime is crucial in developing effective crime prevention strategies. By examining how features such as building design, street layout, and lighting affect criminal activity, policymakers can design and implement measures that can deter crime and enhance public safety. The study of physical environments and crime prevention is therefore an essential aspect of creating livable and safe communities. Furthermore, adopting a multi-disciplinary approach like CPTED can help foster community cohesion and empower residents to take ownership of their areas, leading to a more proactive approach to crime prevention.

Poor physical planning and the absence of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles can increase the likelihood of criminal activity in a given area. CPTED is a set of design principles that aim to reduce crime by making changes to the physical environment. This can include features such as lighting, landscaping, and the layout of buildings and streets. When implemented effectively, these measures can create an environment that is less conducive to criminal activity.

The broken window theory supports the idea that disorder leads to more crime. According to this theory, observable indications of disorder, such as litter or broken windows, can indicate to potential offenders that an area is not well-maintained, thereby reducing the likelihood of criminal activity being identified and penalized. This can create an environment in which criminal activity becomes more prevalent.

Criminals often exhibit a specific modus operandi when planning and carrying out criminal activities. They tend to look for opportunities and environments that make it easy for them to commit crimes with minimal risks of getting caught or identified. Essentially, crime occurs when the perpetrator identifies a vulnerable target and feels confident that they can get away with the crime. This can include factors such as poor lighting, lack of surveillance, or inadequate security measures in a given area. By understanding the pattern of the approach used by criminals, law enforcement and community members can take steps to prevent crime and create a safer environment for all. This might involve implementing measures such as increasing lighting or surveillance, improving security measures, or increasing community awareness of potential risks and prevention strategies.

The likelihood of crime occurring in a particular location is influenced by the physical environment, as it can shape the perception and behaviour of potential wrongdoers. Criminals often evaluate a location’s vulnerabilities before committing a crime, including factors such as accessibility, visibility, and escape routes. If a location presents challenges to entering or escaping undetected, the potential wrongdoer may reconsider their decision to commit a crime. For instance, a location with high visibility, limited access points, or no direct escape route may deter criminal activity. By designing physical environments with these considerations in mind, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of crime and increase community safety.

Impact of Social Environment on Criminal Behaviour

The social environment in which individual lives can have a significant impact on their likelihood to engage in criminal behaviour. In Hindi culture, there are many proverbs that reflect this idea. One such proverb is “Sangati ka asar padta hai,” which translates to “The company you keep influences your behaviour.” This proverb suggests that the people we associate with can have a significant impact on our beliefs, attitudes, and actions. It is crucial to consider the social environment when examining the root causes of crime and implementing strategies to prevent it. By addressing the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behaviour, such as poverty and lack of education, we can create a more positive social environment that encourages lawful behaviour and reduces the likelihood of crime.

It is widely acknowledged that a significant portion of violent behavior is learned, rather than innate. Specifically, research has indicated that exposure to violence or physical abuse during childhood – particularly within the family unit – can significantly increase the likelihood of engaging in violent behaviour during adolescence. The magnitude of this risk has been estimated to be as high as 40%. It is noteworthy that the absence of effective social bonds and parental failure to impart and internalize conventional norms and values may also render children vulnerable to later engagement in violent behaviour, even in cases where violence is not modelled in the home. This underscores the importance of a supportive and nurturing environment, where children are taught to internalize socially-accepted values and norms.

Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that certain neighbourhoods may provide opportunities for learning and engaging in violent behaviour. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including but not limited to a lack of economic opportunities, social inequality, and limited access to resources that could support positive development.

Causes of Violent Behaviour

The existence of criminal organizations, particularly those involved in illicit drug trade, and gangs, exposes individuals to high levels of violence, as well as violent role models and rewards for engaging in serious violent activities. While behaviour patterns developed in early childhood can persist in the school environment, schools themselves can also serve as sources of conflict, frustration, and potential triggers for violent responses.

Research has revealed that school dropouts, drug dealers, and those with prior records of violent behaviour are more likely to possess firearms than their non-violent peers. Moreover, growing up in disorganized neighbourhoods and impoverished, minority households have been shown to have a direct impact on the development of violent behaviour in two primary ways. Firstly, limited employment opportunities at the time of transitioning into adulthood can hinder the chances of establishing a stable family life. Secondly, growing up in disorganized and impoverished neighbourhoods can disrupt the natural course of adolescent development.

DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES AND CRIME

The CS&CPC recognizes the crucial role that families play in raising responsible and healthy members of society. However, ensuring the well-being of children requires more than just the efforts of families; it involves the active participation of communities and society as a whole. Dysfunctional family structures are among the primary contributors to future delinquency. These structures can include parental inadequacy, conflict, criminal behaviour, poor communication, lack of respect and responsibility, child abuse and neglect, and family violence. Therefore, it is crucial for crime prevention efforts to address these root causes by focusing on improvements in all three areas: families, communities, and society.

HOUSEHOLD CONDITIONS

Studies have found that witnessing domestic violence at home is a strong indicator of violent behavior among young offenders, with over 50% of them having witnessed wife abuse. Children who experience physical or sexual abuse are also at a significantly higher risk of becoming violent adults. Furthermore, ineffective parenting, lack of parental involvement, and rejection, as well as inconsistent and overly punitive discipline methods, are all consistent indicators of delinquent behavior.

Unwanted and teen pregnancies have also been linked to higher risks of criminality. Additionally, research suggests that dysfunctional parenting increases the likelihood of youth associating with delinquent peers. Early school leavers also face many challenges, including unemployment or under-employment, and it has been found that 40% of federal inmates in Canada have an undetected learning disability from childhood. Therefore, addressing issues related to the home environment and parenting can help prevent future delinquent behavior.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND CRIME

Alcohol and substance abuse have a close association with criminal behaviour, with many offenders being under the influence of drugs or alcohol when committing crimes. The regular use of alcohol during adolescence has also been linked to higher conviction rates in adulthood. Additionally, research suggests that exposure to certain forms of media, such as television, can influence the behaviour of children to some extent. Studies have also found links between diet and violent behaviour. Therefore, addressing substance abuse and related factors is crucial for effective crime prevention efforts.^[2]

UNEMPLOYMENT AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR

Frequent joblessness is often associated with criminal behaviour. Several studies have revealed that a significant proportion of incarcerated youths and adults were unemployed prior to their arrest. The experience of persistent unemployment can create a sense of hopelessness, especially among young people, and trigger negative behaviours like theft, substance abuse, alcoholism, and violence against children and family members. Similarly, men who are unemployed after being released from correctional facilities are more likely to re-offend. A combination of academic failure and unstable employment situations can lead to continued involvement in criminal activities.

DIVERSE ADDITIONAL RISK FACTORS

The probability of criminal behaviour is influenced by multiple risk factors, which should not be considered in isolation. The major risk factors identified through research include poverty, racism, family violence, parental and community neglect, and problems at school. Many persistent offenders begin engaging in anti-social activities before and during adolescence. Age alone is not a risk factor but should be looked at in the context of these factors. Prevention efforts should be focused on the early childhood years as they are critical for healthy social and emotional development, with birth to age 5 being the most crucial.

Although crime rates among females have increased in recent years, males are still more likely to be involved in criminal behaviour. Research indicates that crime usually involves aggression, risk-taking, and predatory behaviour.

Implications of Environment on Crime: Legal Considerations

The impact of the environment on crime rates has important legal consequences, particularly in regard to the development of more sophisticated and personalized guidelines for sentencing. Studies indicate that individuals who come from less privileged backgrounds are more prone to criminal activity, suggesting that uniform sentencing guidelines may not be suitable for all offenders. Consequently, judges and policymakers may need to take into account factors such as an individual’s socioeconomic circumstances and other environmental influences when determining the most suitable sentence.

It is crucial to strike a balance between individualized sentencing and ensuring public safety. While it is important to consider an offender’s background and environmental influences when deciding on an appropriate sentence, it is equally essential to take into account the severity of the crime committed and the potential danger that the offender poses to society. Sentencing guidelines must be designed to serve the interests of justice, deterrence, and the protection of the public.

Although socioeconomic and environmental factors may play a role in an individual’s criminal behaviour, it is important to avoid using them as an excuse for overly lenient or excessively harsh sentencing. The principle of proportionality should be upheld in all cases, which means that the severity of the punishment should be commensurate with the gravity of the offence committed. Implementing interventions that tackle the root causes of criminal behaviour is an essential step toward reducing crime rates and creating a safer and fairer society. By investing in programs and initiatives that address issues like poverty and social inequality, we can help prevent individuals from turning to criminal activities and create a more just and equitable society.

Conclusion

The environment has a significant impact on an individual’s behaviour, including criminal activity. As cities become more advanced and densely populated, understanding the influence of surroundings on criminal behaviour is increasingly important. Childhood experiences and the effects of gravity are among the factors that must be considered in creating effective crime prevention strategies. Humans are social animals who require other people to live happily, but the environment can affect individuals positively or negatively. Crime is a negative effect of the environment that is a menace to society. A healthy, developed, and nurturing environment raises good, responsible, and righteous citizens, while a bad environment can raise violent, careless, and criminal-minded individuals. Countries must invest in improving all types of environments to reduce high crime rates and create a safer future.

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Endnotes:

1. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), (Apr. 27, 2023), ,https://menlopark.gov/Government/Departments/Police/Crime-safety-and-prevention/Crime-Prevention-Through-Environmental-Design#:~:text=Crime%20Prevention%20Through%20Environmental%20Design%20or%20CPTED%20(pronounced%20sep%2Dted,either%20encourage%20or%20discourage%20crime.
2. Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council, (Apr. 27, 2023), http://preventingcrime.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Causes_of_Crime.pdf.

This article is authored by Sohini Chakraborty, a first-year law student at RGNUL Patiala.

-Report by Sejal Jethva

In the case of Shiva Kumar v. State of Karnataka, the IPC’s Section 302 was used to punish the offence. A portion of the appeal is upheld.

FACTS

The appellant was a 22-year-old man. He emphasized the appellant’s young wife, young child, and elderly parents. He also has no priors and doesn’t pose a threat to society. Also, he has displayed consistently good behaviour while incarcerated, and he even finished a B.A. degree course while incarcerated. Last but not least, he emphasised that the appellant had served roughly seventeen years and two months of his sentence.

The Indian Criminal Code, 1860 (often referred to as the “IPC”) punishes the appellant for offences that fall within Sections 366, 376, and 302. The penalty for the offence punishable under Section 302 of the IPC is the only issue under dispute. The appellant was given a life sentence of harsh imprisonment by the learned Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court). To contest the verdict and sentence, the appellant chose to appeal to the High Court. The appeal for a longer sentence was preferred by the State Government. By the contested judgment, the High Court dismissed both appeals. This Court merely gave notice of sentences on April 21, 2017.

APPELLANT’S CONTENTION

Knowing the law established by the Constitution Bench of this Court in the case of Union of India v. V. Sriharan alias Murugan & Ors.1, the learned solicitor representing the appellant-accused argued that only the Constitutional Courts, not the Sessions Courts, have the authority to impose a modified sentence. He argued that the Constitutional Courts can only commute an accused person’s death sentence if they also grant a life sentence, whether it be for all eternity or for a set amount of time. The courts have no authority to impose a different punishment if the death penalty is not applied. Additionally, he cited the court’s ruling in Swami Shraddananda alias Murali Manohar Mishra v. State of Karnataka.

RESPONDENT’S CONTENTION

Even though the death penalty has not been imposed, the learned attorney representing the respondent-State contends that the Constitutional Courts are not helpless to impose modified sentences taking into account the seriousness of the offence, the behaviour of the accused, and other pertinent factors. He argued that the Constitutional Courts’ authority to provide a modified sentence could not be curtailed by claiming that they can only do so when the issue is whether to commute a death sentence. He argued that the most severe sentence was considered in this case’s facts by citing the Trial Court and High Court’s rulings. In any event, he argued, by imposing a sentence that would last the remainder of the appellant’s life, the High Court had, after taking into account all the relevant factual circumstances, reiterated the Sessions Court’s position.

JUDGEMENT

1. The facts are such that they will shock any court’s conscience. The deceased woman, who was happily married, worked for a reputable corporation with an office in Bengaluru’s Electronic City. She had to work till late at night or even early in the morning due to the nature of her job. Her transportation was previously provided by the employer in the form of a car. The business used to give staff automobiles to drive on various predetermined routes. The dead departed the workplace that fateful day at 2:00 a.m. in a car provided by the business. She previously rode in a car that travelled Route 131. She was told by the appellant, the driver, that day that the vehicle used for route 131 was not available. She was informed by the appellant that she would have to use his vehicle, which is on Route 405 to get there. Therefore, the deceased sat down in the car that the accused was operating. The deceased’s maternal uncle filed a complaint and claimed that the person was missing. Finally, at the appellant’s request, her deceased body was found. The deceased’s clothing, shoes, and other personal effects were discovered close to the body. The charge of both the offence under Section 366 of the IPC and the offence under Section 376 of the IPC was successfully established by the prosecution. Additionally, the appellant-accused was found guilty of the crime under Section 302. The victim, who was 28 years old, had his life brutally taken from him.

2. In light of this, we change the Trial Court’s original sentence for the offence covered by Section 302 of the IPC. We order that the appellant be sentenced to life in prison. Additionally, we order that the appellant not be freed until he has served his full 30-year sentence. The appeal is partially upheld to the extent stated above.

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-Report by Pranav Mathur

The Gwalior Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, on the 10th of February 2023, in the case of Narendra v. State of Madhya Pradesh, upheld the conviction of murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (hereinafter referred to as the “IPC”) given to the present appellant. The date of the judgment given by the Trial Court was the 11th of October 2012, and the appellant was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment with the submission of a fine.

FACTS:

The appellant was a son born out of the confines of marriage. After the demise of his father, his mother remarried, and eventually passed away. Subsequently, his stepfather solemnized his marriage with another woman, who is the complainant represented by the respondent in the present appeal. The appellant wanted to sell his father’s land in a village, and would therefore frequently ask his step-father to execute the sale, only to be advised against it. One fateful night, after dinner, when the appellant went to sleep with his stepfather, the complainant woke up to the sound of the appellant assaulting his stepfather with an axe, eventually killing him. Due to the gathering of people caused by her screams, the appellant ran away, and a complaint against him was filed the next day. The appellant abjured guilt and signified his willingness to go to trial. He was eventually charged with murder by the Trial Court.

APPELLANT’S CONTENTIONS:

The appellant contended that the Trial Court erred in appreciating the evidence in the case. It was further argued that the prosecution in the Trial Court failed to establish various key events that led to the appellant’s conviction. The complainant admitted during her cross-examination in the Trial Court that there were no sources of light to properly ascertain the face of the appellant and his alleged acts. It was further argued that no human blood had been found on the axe when it was seized from the appellant, and in conclusion, the appellant contended that the prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

RESPONDENT’S CONTENTIONS:

Placing reliance on the competence of the Trial Court, the respondent contended that due care and attention had been given to the evidence on record, and was only then appreciated by the Court. They mainly argued that the statements given by the complainant and other spot witnesses were in perfect sync with each other, and therefore the case had been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

JUDGMENT:

The Court took into consideration the group of witnesses examined by the prosecution. It carefully took into consideration the post-mortem report submitted by the concerned medical officer, and based on those facts, concluded that the death was homicidal in nature. The appellant did not challenge the medical report, and the statements of the witnesses, which painted the entire scenario, based on which the Court, also taking cognizance of the number and nature of wounds caused, concluded that it was an act of murder with the intention to do as well. The Court, after taking into consideration the examinations and the cross-examinations of the witnesses, and the objections raised against them, concluded that the version given by the complainant cannot be said to be unbelievable. The Court opined that the deceased was last seen alive with the appellant himself, and the appellant has not been able to give valid reasons for the injuries that the deceased sustained, which further supported the claim of the petitioner.

As held in the case of Gosu Jairami Reddy and Anr. v. State of A.P., when direct evidence for an alleged crime is available, there is no need to search for the motive. Based on this principle, the High Court concluded that the Trial Court made no error in law while convicting the appellant for murder under Section 302 of the IPC. The Court, therefore, upheld the decision of the Trial Court, however, since the period of life imprisonment in default of payment of the fine wasn’t mentioned, the Court modified the punishment from life imprisonment and a fine of twenty thousand rupees to just the term of life imprisonment. The judgment of the Trial Court was therefore affirmed with the aforesaid modification.

READ FULL JUDGEMENT: https://bit.ly/3ZDd6Wn

This article has been written by Nashrah Fatma, a third-year law student at the Faculty of Law, Jamia Millia Islamia.
This article aims to discuss the various aspects of victim restoration under Indian law.

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF VICTIMOLOGY IN INDIA
3.	WHO IS A VICTIM?
4.	COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS
5.	VICTIM RIGHTS AND VICTIMOLOGY IN INDIA
6.	RIGHT OF PRIVACY OF RAPE VICTIMS
7.	CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION

Crime affects a large number of people. It is a violation of interpersonal relationships. The criminals or perpetrators are punished for their criminal acts but the plight of the sufferers or victims of the crime cannot be ignored. Victimization refers to any form of pain endured by the victim of a crime experienced by a victim of an assault. When a victim reports a crime, law enforcement acts, and the victim’s journey through the criminal justice system begins. The trauma may worsen due to all these procedures in the criminal justice system, and re-victimization may also play a role. Victimology is the study of victimization, which includes a scientific analysis of the connection between the victim’s physical and psychological distress and the crime.

Benjamin Mendelsohn, a criminologist, is credited with being the first to use the term “victimology”. Between the 1940s and 1950s, he and his colleague Hans von Hentig examined victimology with a focus on what types of behaviours or qualities the victim exhibited that drew the attention of the offender and resulted in the victimization. They are regarded as the “Father of Victimology Study.”

Von Henting examined homicide victims and found that they were more likely to be of the “depressive type”, who were easy prey for criminals. Following this approach, another victimologist postulated that “many victims precipitate homicide was in reality caused by the unconscious inclinations of the victims to commit suicide”.

The criminal justice system has largely ignored the victims of crime, despite the fact that they frequently get support and help from their families, tribe, or community. Only recently have criminal law jurisdictions come to the realization that victims must be treated with empathy and that their basic rights and dignity must be safeguarded.

The scientific study of victimization, including the interactions between victims and offenders, the criminal justice system, the police, courts, correctional personnel, and victims, can be roughly referred to as victimology. However, the study of victimology is not just defined by these relations but also by other forms of human rights violations that are not necessarily crimes.

ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF VICTIMOLOGY IN INDIA

The goal of the criminal justice system in India during the early Vedic era was not only to punish offenders but also to make amends for the victims. Throughout the Mughal and British periods of Indian history, the focus was more on punishing perpetrators than providing victims with compensation. The only things the criminal justice system cared about were guiding offenders and attempting to change them. However, since the 1980s, and mainly as a result of legal action, the protection of victims has garnered more attention.[1]

WHO IS A VICTIM?

The victim as defined by Section 2(wa) of the Code of Criminal Procedure is as follows: ‘Victim’ refers to a person who has suffered any loss or injury caused by reason of the act or omission for which the accused person has been charged, and the victim includes his or her guardian or legal heirs. The concept of victim includes any person who experiences an injury, loss, or hardship due to any cause.[2]

The primary victims are those who are most directly impacted by the offence, but there are also other victims, including witnesses, members of the affected community, and family members of both the victims and the offenders. It is imperative to address the relationships that were impacted by the crime. Responses to the variety of needs and damages felt by victims, offenders, and the community constitute restoration.

COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS

Traditionally, compensation was awarded according to the principle “Ubi remedium ibi jus” (where there is a remedy, there is a right principle. Criminal law was not a concept in any prehistoric culture. Every crime, including murder, might be made up for financially. Every crime was, in fact, a civil wrong rather than an offence against society as a whole. The phrase “Ubi Jus ibi remedium” -where there is a right, there is a remedy” holds true in the present times. The idea of compensation nowadays is that no one should go without compensation.[3]

There are some general and specialized laws with provisions relating to compensatory relief in India.

Sections 357 (1) and (2) of Cr.P.C. empower the trial court to award compensation to the victims of crime. The compensation provided in S. 357(1) includes costs, damage, or injury, suffered or loss caused due to death or monetary loss incurred due to theft or destruction of property, etc. Similarly, Sec.357-A is inserted by Amendment Act 2008 in Cr.P.C. and it provides a scheme relating to victim compensation. Accordingly, every State Government is required to prepare a scheme for providing funds for the purpose of payment of compensation to a victim or his dependent who has suffered any loss or injury due to the crime.

The current criminal justice system is predicated on the idea that the conviction of the offender is sufficient to recognize the rights of a crime victim. The Ministry of Home Affairs Committee on Reforms of the Criminal Justice System, chaired by Justice Dr. V.S. Malimath, recognized “justice to victims” as one of the core principles of Indian criminal law in its Report presented to the Government of India in March 2003. By permitting, among other things, involvement in criminal processes as well as compensation for any loss or injury, it suggests a comprehensive justice system for the victims.

Victimology was not formally acknowledged as a branch of criminology until the 1970s. The founding of the World Society of Victimology by criminologist Hans Schneider in 1979 was one of the significant turning points in the history of victimology. It is presently a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization with Special Category consultative status with the Council of Europe and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.[4]

As the word implies, victimology is the study of victims. The United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power, 1985, defines a “victim of crime” as a person or group of persons who have been harmed, individually or collectively, by acts or omissions that violate criminal laws in effect within the Member States, including those laws proscribing criminal abuse of power.[5]

VICTIM RIGHTS AND VICTIMOLOGY IN INDIA

Victims’ rights have been given recognition by the Indian Criminal Jurisprudence. By submitting an F.I.R. under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure or a complaint before the Magistrate under Section 200, the victim or any other person initiates the legal process. The victim has the right to be present at every process, including the bail application, the investigation, the inquiry, the trial, and any future sentencing or parole hearings. It recognizes the harm done to the victim as well as his interest.

When an F.I.R. is filed, the police launch an investigation. However, the police cannot begin an investigation if there is a report of an offence that is not cognizable without the consent of a magistrate who has the power to try the case or commit it for trial. The office in charge of the Police Station need not go in person or appoint a subordinate officer to conduct an inquiry immediately in the case of a cognizable offence when the information is presented against any person by name and the situation is not serious. Officer-in-Charge of the Police Station shall not examine the case if it appears that there is insufficient justification for opening an investigation.

Additionally, the option to complain to the Magistrate has been provided. A magistrate who receives a complaint about an offence must examine the complainant and any present witnesses.

RIGHT OF PRIVACY OF RAPE VICTIMS

In numerous instances, the privacy of the victims is infringed. Their name or place of residence is made public which may cause them to suffer even after restoration or rehabilitation. The Supreme Court, in Raja Gopal’s case,[6] observed that a citizen has a right to safeguard the privacy of his own, his family, marriage, procreation, motherhood, childbearing, education, etc. because the right to privacy is inherent in the right to life and liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. However, despite the fact that the CrPC specifically states that rape cases must be tried in secrecy, the privacy of the victim is breached throughout a criminal prosecution. In Gurmeet Singh’s case, the Supreme Court was forced to reiterate the law as it is stated in Section 327 of the CrPC.[7]

A victim may be authorized to instruct a pleader as a prosecutor in any Court pursuant to Section 301(2). In such a case, the prosecution will be handled by the public prosecutor or assistant public prosecutor in charge of the case.
Section 12 of The National Legal Service Authority Act, of 1987 reinforced the idea of free legal aid. It provides that every person who has to file or defend a case shall be entitled to legal services under this Act if that person is a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe member, a woman, a child, a person who is mentally ill or otherwise disabled, an industrial worker, a victim of a major disaster, or a person in custody of a protective home as defined by clause (g) of Section 2 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 and people whose annual income is less than Rs. 9,000 or another higher amount that may be prescribed by the State Government if the case is before a court other than the Supreme Court, and less than Rs. 12,000 or another higher amount that may be prescribed by the Central Government if the case is before the Supreme Court.[8]

In the State of Himachal Pradesh v. Prem Singh,[9] the Supreme Court has held that the delay in lodging F.I.R. in a case of sexual assault cannot be equated with a case involving other offences. There are several matters that weigh the mind of the prosecutrix and her family members before coming to the police station to lodge a complaint and in such cases of sexual assault, the victim’s psychological and mental torment should definitely be considered.

In India, the higher courts have traditionally taken great care to ensure that victims of crime receive compensation. Since the Supreme Court’s formation, the first instance in which a person received monetary compensation for the violation of one of his or her fundamental rights was the case of Ruddal Shah v. State of Bihar[10] that a person is entitled to compensation for the loss or injury caused by the offence, and this includes the victim’s wife, spouse, parents, and children. The ruling, in this case, is a landmark one since it sparked the development of compensatory jurisprudence for constitutionally protected fundamental rights violations. It is significant in this regard that this verdict was based on the Court’s interpretation of the Indian Constitution and that there is no clear provision in the text of the Indian Constitution for awarding compensation and that this judgment was on the basis of the Court’s interpretation of the extent of its remedial powers.

In the case of Bhim Singh v. State of Jammu & Kashmir,[11] the court ordered a compensation of Rs. 50,000 to the petitioner, a member of the Legislative Assembly, for the violation of his legal and constitutional rights after finding that he was maliciously and deliberately detained and arrested by the police in order to prevent him from attending the assembly session. The court observed that the malicious intention of the arrest and detention is not washed away by his later release.

The victim or his family cannot be neglected by the court in its efforts to uphold and defend the human rights of the convict if the victim dies or becomes otherwise unable to support himself as a result of the convict’s criminal act. The victim is certainly entitled to reparation, restitution, and safeguarding of his rights. In the criminal justice system, a victim of a crime cannot be ignored. He has endured the most hardship. His family is completely destroyed, especially in the event of death or severe physical harm. This is in addition to considerations like humiliation and reputational damage. An honour that is lost or a life that is snuffed out cannot be recompensed but then monetary compensation will at least provide some solace. This was observed in the case of the State of Gujarat v. Hon’ble High Court of Gujarat.[12]

For a variety of reasons, witnesses and victims of crime are hesitant to cooperate with the criminal justice system and actively participate in court procedures. When called to the police station for questioning, witnesses are scarcely ever treated with respect. Additionally, they do not receive any compensation in the form of TA and DA reimbursement, as required by section 160(2) of the CrPC. The court’s repeated adjournments of cases, the subordinate courts’ lack of basic amenities, and the failure to pay TA and DA for witnesses’ attendance in court all cause a significant amount of difficulty for the witnesses. The prosecution would brand the witnesses hostile for not backing the statement recorded by the IO or the overzealous defence attorney would browbeat them for being questioned after a long interval of 5 to 10 years after the incident.

The limitation of the aforementioned legal provisions is that when the accused is exonerated of the allegation, which occurs in roughly 93% of instances in India, compensation cannot be granted by the court. The United Nations General Assembly has advised states to compensate crime victims when the criminal or other sources are unable to provide it in full. The urgent needs of crime victims are not being addressed by Indian legislators. Despite being required to comply with the terms and conditions of the International Covenant to Protect Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, India has not passed any legislation to provide compensation to the victims when the accused is found not guilty by a criminal court. As a result, the victims of racial strife, dacoity, arson, rape, etc. are not receiving any recompense.[13]

CONCLUSION

The study of victims in the contemporary criminal justice system and providing restoration remains the sole focus of mainstream victimology. This emphasis has affected how crime is measured and the role that victims play in addition to increasing awareness and understanding of crime victims. Additionally, society as a whole is morally responsible for the crime because it is a result of some unfavourable socioeconomic conditions. If the State fails to eliminate certain issues from society, it must provide compensation.

Organized crimes, such as drug trafficking, shootings, money laundering, extortion and murder for rent, fraud, and people trafficking, in particular, are rapidly raising the crime rate in India. A survey indicates that every two minutes, a crime against a woman is reported in India. The data emphasize how vital it is to create effective law and order in the country and suitable victim compensation mechanisms.

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References

1. L. D. Dabhade & N. A. Qadri, Present Scenario of Contempt and Development of Victimology in India, 2 IJRSSIS 61-64 (2015).
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
6. (1994) 6 S.C.C. 632 (India).
7.  (1996) 2 S.C.C. 384 (India).
8. Ibid.
9.  2009 Cr LJ 789 (S.C.).
10. (1983) 4 S.C.C. 141 (India).
11. (1985) 4 S.C.C. 677 (India).
12.  (1998) 7 S.C.C. 392 (India).
13. R K Bag, Perspectives in Victimology in Context of Criminal Justice System, 41 JILI 78 (1999).