Criminal Justice System in India: Emerging Dimensions: Adv. Chandni Gangadharan
Criminal Justice System in India: Emerging Dimensions: Adv. Chandni Gangadharan
Criminal Justice System in India: Emerging Dimensions: Adv. Chandni Gangadharan
ISSN: 2455-670X
Volume 8, Issue 3, DIP: 18.02.006/20230803
DOI: 10.25215/2455/0803006
www.ijsi.in |July-September, 2023
ABSTRACT
The research paper explores the topic of victimology to criminology, examining the challenges
faced by individuals seeking justice in India's criminal justice system. The study emphasises the
need to restore victims' rights and highlights the historic evolution of victimology from a focus
on retributive justice to prioritising perpetrators over victims. It delves into the adversarial and
inquisitorial systems, comparing their functions in different legal frameworks. The adversarial
system promotes open competition between opposing parties, while the inquisitorial system
actively involves the court in the investigation and gathering of evidence. The paper highlights
the plight of male victims in the criminal justice system, where power, money, and influence can
sway outcomes. It discusses various laws implemented to protect vulnerable victim groups, such
as women, children, and the elderly. The paper provides suggestions for improving the judicial
system in India. These include abolishing court and advocate fees, avoiding systemic delays,
setting up SC benches across the country, and shifting the burden of proof to the state in
constitutional challenges. Overall, the research paper highlights the need for a more victim-
centric approach in the criminal justice system and suggests reforms to ensure timely and fair
justice for all.
• “Victimology to criminology.
• Adversarial and inquisitorial system.
• Victimology through the six M’S of criminal justice system.”
T
he current study examines people's attempts to access the criminal justice system in
India. This study focuses on situations where the person seeking redress ultimately
became the victim of the system and suffered great suffering as a result. The main goal
of the current study is to restore the victim's right to justice, which is frequently overlooked and
mistakenly thought to result in judgment. However, obtaining justice is ultimately the victim's
1
B.A.L.L.B., LLM and Assistant Professor of Law
*Corresponding Author
Received: August 03, 2023; Revision Received: August 23, 2023; Accepted: August 25, 2023
© 2023 I Gangadharan, C.; licensee IJSI. This is an Open Access Research distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any Medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Criminal Justice System in India: Emerging Dimensions
responsibility. The State is responsible with ensuring the sustainability of justice, while the
courts are in charge of upholding its integrity.
The 1600s and 1700s marked a significant shift in societal and economic structures due to the
advent of the industrial revolution, the renaissance, and the French Revolution. Therefore, the
development of the 'Adversarial System' occurred. According to Schafer, there was a decline
in the prominence of victims in the criminal justice system during this time. The criminal justice
system underwent a shift in its approach, prioritizing the perpetrator over the victim. This
resulted in the victim's suffering, which is often immeasurable, being largely overlooked due to a
misguided sense of empathy towards the offender. The current criminal justice system is
observed to be neglecting men. The waning period subsequent to the golden age served as a
catalyst for the development of the adversarial model.
In the aftermath of World War II, certain criminologists advocated for the examination of the
interplay between perpetrators and their targets as a means of comprehensively understanding the
nature of criminal activity and its ramifications. The efforts of the researchers led to the adoption
of a charter for victims' rights by the United Nations and a convention on the compensation of
victims of violent crime by the European Union, both of which were founded on the same
principles. In response, some European and American nations passed legislation requiring
victim's compensation within the criminal court system. Despite taking many different forms, the
victim movement has garnered support all across the world. The United Nations was made aware
of the growing importance of the victim-offender connection.
principles and neglects its constituents in favor of self-interest is evident from the incurred costs
such as lost wages, expended time, and transportation expenses. There is a school of thought that
posits that the victim is the individual within the criminal justice system who is afforded the least
amount of attention. In practical terms, following the victim's disclosure of victimization and
provision of all pertinent information to law enforcement, it is common for the victim to
experience prolonged periods of silence from the police or prosecuting officer, and in some
cases, no communication at all. It has been observed that in certain instances, cases are resolved
without the active participation of the victim. Subsequently, when the victim is summoned to
provide testimony during the trial, they are often treated as a witness for the state and may
encounter protracted delays, adjournments, and other vexing circumstances. The central focus of
this essay pertains to the unacknowledged suffering experienced by the victim. The individual
who has experienced harm has made an appeal for aid, but has been met with a biased reaction
that prioritizes the safety of the victim over that of the accused. The aforementioned statement
denotes a significant affront to our societal framework, as it assesses culpability and diminishes
the suffering of the affected individual.
INDIAN SCENARIO
Overview of the Indian Criminal Justice System
The present study centers on the stark actuality that exists in society under the guise of justice,
with a particular emphasis on the Three Pillars of justice and their shortcomings in fulfilling their
respective obligations. The criminal justice system of India was derived from the British legal
model. A crucial consideration pertains to the division of roles, powers, and responsibilities
among the legislative assembly, executive branch, and judicial branch. India's penal philosophy
has embraced the notion of crime prevention, as well as the treatment and rehabilitation of
offenders, which has been validated by several SC rulings. Under the current criminal justice
system, victims are not afforded any inherent rights and are instead relegated to the role of
witnesses in their own cases. The state assumes full responsibility for prosecuting and punishing
offenders, with little regard for the impact of the crime on the victim.
The Indian judicial system is characterized by its unified and integrated structure, with the SC of
India serving as the highest court in the land. The judiciary is a crucial component of the
government's structure and serves a significant function. The judiciary serves several crucial
functions, including but not limited to resolving conflicts, providing legal interpretations,
safeguarding fundamental liberties, and serving as custodians of the Constitution. The Indian
judicial system boasts a rich history dating back to the pre-British era. In 1937, the Federal Court
was established to serve as a platform for hearing appeals from the HC. During the 18th Century,
a standardized pattern for the judiciary became apparent. Since India gained independence, the
government has prioritized the establishment of a structured judiciary system.
The case of D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal serves as an example of the legal perspective on
arbitrary arrest and detention. The court accelerated the apprehension's legal proceedings in this
case. The case's main goal was to get rid of any and all instances of unfair treatment of the
prisoners by staff at the correctional facility.
Prisoners
In India, the treatment of prisoners' rights is characterized by a relatively lenient approach.
According to popular belief in India, individuals who have been incarcerated forfeit their
entitlement to lead a conventional existence. The alleged mistreatment of incarcerated
individuals by correctional officers during their period of confinement may potentially infringe
upon their constitutional rights. Art. 21 serves as a safeguard for the fundamental rights of the
individuals in question.
The SC of the United States, in the case of Manna v. People of Illinois, rendered a decision that
affirms the notion that life encompasses more than mere animal existence. The aforementioned
statement cannot be refuted in regards to the individuals operating in the vicinity of the bar. The
rights enshrined in Art. 21 are considered universal and inalienable, and are not subject to
objection or infringement by any entity, including the state. Prisoners are entitled to certain rights
that are akin to those of free individuals, albeit with certain restrictions. The preservation of
fundamental rights is not negated by an individual's incarceration.
Furthermore, the broader implications of corrupt practices on the establishment of a just and
sustainable society are not only detrimental, but also devastating, particularly when the judicial
system, which is expected to uphold the values of autonomy, fairness, honesty, and parity, is
compromised.
Given that corruption can affect any sector, it is imperative for States parties to recognize the
unique susceptibility and responsibility of justice sector institutions with respect to corruption.
Therefore, it is crucial to undertake ongoing endeavors to establish justice sector institutions that
are independent, ethical, and accountable. In order to aid States parties in addressing the issue,
the United Nations is implementing a range of strategies. The study is conducting a
comprehensive analysis of corruption within the judiciary and other justice sector
institutions. The organizational level, which includes the division of authority, objectives, and
procedures, is also examined in this analysis. The study is also investigating the individual level,
which covers training, interference protection, and professional ethics. Through its study, the UN
seeks to pinpoint practical measures and methods for reducing corruption risks and fostering
integrity among all institutions related to the justice system.
The conduct of CBI officers in a judicial dispute was recently reviewed by a two-judge bench of
the Bombay HC. The present study has revealed that the law enforcement officers
have contravened Sec. 46 (4) of the CrPC by detaining a female individual beyond the hours of
sundown. As per this provision, it is stipulated that a female individual may not be subject to
arrest during the hours of dusk and sunrise, except in cases of exceptional circumstances. The
court strongly disapproved of this breach.
The CBI detained the petitioner at 8:00 p.m. She then filed a petition with the court asking for a
declaration that her detention was unlawful under Sec. 46 (4) of the CrPC. The individual in
question has submitted a request to initiate an inquiry into the law enforcement officials who
apprehended her in contravention of legal statutes.
the initial measure proposed for implementation through legislative means is the prohibition of
the arrest of any woman accused during the hours between sunset and sunrise.
The principle of “Life and Liberty” as enshrined in Art. 21 of the Constitution is applicable to all
citizens, including convicts, accused individuals in custody, and suspects who are being
investigated and may later become accused and convicts through the trial process. Denying this
principle to any of these individuals would be a violation of their constitutional rights.
In light of the aforementioned, the HC has determined that the relevant officials of the CBI are
responsible for remitting a sum of INR 50,000 as costs to the petitioner.
Sending “any electronic mail or electronic mail message” with the intent to irritate or
inconvenience the recipient or to deceive or mislead the addressee or receiver as to the source of
the communication was prohibited prior to the change to Sec. 66A.
The arrests made by senior police officers have been defended on the basis of inadequate
training. However, the continued detentions of civilians without a warrant is indicative of a
deprivation of their liberty.
Although the practice of capital punishment has been abolished, Sec. 66A of the law continues to
exist. According to Apar Gupta, the Executive Director of the Internet Freedom Foundation,
despite the legal ruling in the case of Shreya Singhal that declared it unlawful, there are still
ongoing and newly initiated prosecutions. The existing legal framework in India, comprising the
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Criminal Justice System in India: Emerging Dimensions
Indian Penal Code and the IT Act, encompasses sufficient provisions to impose penalties for
diverse manifestations of online abuse and harassment, notwithstanding the absence of Sec. 66A.
As observed in the cases of Naz, Nalsa, and Navtej, the individuals in question were subjected to
the consequences of their own criminal actions, resulting in them becoming victims of the very
system they had transgressed.
For a considerable duration, Muslim women were disproportionately affected by the practice of
"Triple Talaq," commonly referred to as the "Evil of Triple Talaq." This is due to the fact that
unlike their Hindu counterparts, Muslim women were not afforded the ability to initiate divorce
proceedings.
The high-profile cases involving Salman Khan, namely the hit-and-run and Black Buck cases,
have garnered significant attention. It is worth noting that if an average citizen had been found
guilty of committing such crimes, they would likely have been incarcerated in Tihar prison,
rather than being able to leverage their influence and engage in corrupt practices to amass
unlimited wealth.
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Criminal Justice System in India: Emerging Dimensions
Comparable to the case of Sanjay Dutt, who was found in possession of an AK-47, it appears
that factors such as financial resources, social influence, and public image played a significant
role in determining the outcome of the situation.
Following the implementation of stricter rape laws in the aftermath of the Nirbhaya case,
Aasharam Baapu has reportedly continued to engage in sexual assault against numerous female
victims while leading an otherwise ordinary lifestyle that includes consuming four daily meals.
An analysis is being conducted to evaluate the status of crime victims in India throughout every
phase of the criminal justice system in relation to global benchmarks.
The United Nations' involvement in safeguarding our system against this peril is now under
consideration. It is generally agreed upon that the “Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for
Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power”, which was approved by the “United Nations General
Assembly in 1985”, is a foundational document in the subject of victims' rights. It has been the
subject of much debate and has been invoked by numerous developed nations as a framework for
establishing the rights of victims over the past two decades. The document is often referred to as
the "magna carta" for victims due to its foundational nature and its influence on the development
of victims' rights. The UN's publication on Justice for Victims is meticulous in outlining the
global norms that countries are required to adhere to with regards to the handling of victims by
criminal justice system entities throughout the different stages of the legal process. As the
primary point of contact for victims following a criminal incident, law enforcement agencies
assume a crucial role in providing victim assistance. Local law enforcement officers, who
frequently interact with crime victims, may not be fully aware of the advancements in
victimology and the heightened expectations for victim support within police departments on a
global scale. The continued existence of Sec. 25 of the Indian Evidence Act, which precludes the
admissibility of confessions made to police officers as evidence against an accused individual,
has been criticized as a source of derision for the legal system. What is the rationale behind the
government and police academies' decision to implement a policy aimed at educating law
enforcement officers on how to improve their treatment of victims? As per the citation provided
in the book, it is evident that the victims hold a significant interest in the prosecution of the case
and are entitled to participate in all stages of the proceedings. Throughout the legal process, the
interests and rights of the accused are safeguarded, often at the cost of the interests of the
victims.
susceptible groups such as women, children, and the elderly, who warrant primary consideration.
As an example: The Act of 2005 was enacted with the aim of safeguarding women from
domestic violence. As per the provisions of the aforementioned act, in the event of non-
performance of duties by the protection officer, the prescribed penalty includes imprisonment for
a term of one year, a monetary fine of INR 20,000, or both.
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007
In the event that the individuals responsible for the care of an adult fail to fulfill their obligations,
the court may intervene by issuing an order mandating the adult's children or legal heirs to
establish a monthly allowance for the adult's maintenance. This allowance must be established
with due diligence and in accordance with legal requirements.
The “SC and the ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989” is a legislative measure that aims to
prevent instances of victimization based on caste and to safeguard the interests of the affected
parties.
A notable distinction exists between our system and the one under consideration. Specifically,
the involvement of an examining or investigating judge is the primary difference, as they play a
crucial role in ensuring that justice is served.
A court that actively participates in a case's investigation and the gathering of evidence is what
defines the inquisitorial system.
The adversarial system is designed to elicit the truth through a process of open competition
between opposing parties engaged in a struggle.
In the context of adversarial legal systems, lower courts are bound by the precedent rule, which
dictates that prior decisions made by higher courts must be followed.
In inquisitorial systems, the scope of judicial precedent is limited. This implies that judges
possess the discretion to render decisions on a case-by-case basis, irrespective of prior
circumstances.
Within an adversarial legal system, the hearing, presentation of evidence, and cross-examination
conducted by legal representatives are afforded precedence. The ultimate ruling is then based
solely on the arguments put forth by the advocates.
In the context of an inquisitorial legal system, there is a prioritization of legal documents and
factual knowledge over examinations.
It is a common practice for lawyers to file repeated time petitions during the continuance of a
case in order to extend the timeline. The disposal of cases is subject to delay. This rule presents a
significant obstacle.
The primary objective of this approach is to reduce the duration required for resolving a legal
matter and to ensure prompt dispensation of justice. The role of a judge is crucial in determining
the outcome of a time petition, which can either be granted or rejected. This decision-making
process by the judge contributes significantly to the expeditious resolution of cases.
My last observations are that the procedural laws system should be as simple and straightforward
as possible, as well as being litigator-friendly. Since it is the State's responsibility, not
the litigate's, to serve the summons, the requirement that the litigator pay the cost of doing so is
frequently another gap in the law and a procedural barrier.
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Acknowledgements
The authors profoundly appreciate all the people who have successfully contributed to ensuring
this paper in place. Their contributions are acknowledged however their names cannot be
mentioned.
Conflict of Interest
The author(s) declared no conflict of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and
publication of this article.
© International Journal of Social Impact | ISSN: 2455-670X | 59
Criminal Justice System in India: Emerging Dimensions
How to cite this article: Gangadharan, C. (2023). Criminal Justice System in India: Emerging
Dimensions. International Journal of Social Impact, 8(3), 047-060. DIP: 18.02.006/20230803,
DOI: 10.25215/2455/0803006