SC Bats for Victim‑Centric Justice

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.
• 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.
• After the Bench indicated its unwillingness to grant relief, the petitioner withdrew the plea.