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Victim of a crime should have a say in punishment: Supreme Court
Why is it in news?
- The victim of a crime should have a say in the punishment of the criminal the Supreme Court has said.
- SC held that punishment should be “meaningful” to the victim also.
- In criminal prosecution, the State takes the front seat while the victim becomes a prosecution witness.
- The crime is primarily considered a wrong against society and the punishment, a deterrent for prospective offenders
Rationale of order
- With its order, the Supreme Court, has made it clear that the victim or her family — who has suffered the crime — should have an equal say in the punishment of the perpetrator.
- A victim impact statement or a victim impact assessment must be given due recognition so that an appropriate punishment is awarded to the convict
- What may be ‘justice’ in the rule book may not serve the victim.
Source
The Hindu