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International Journal of
Law, Policy and Social Review
ARCHIVES
VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Compensation to Victims: As an Instrument of Social Justice
Authors
C S SURAJ
Abstract

Victims of crime suffer in many ways, including physical injury, emotional trauma, social stigma, and financial loss. For a long time, the criminal justice system mainly focused on punishing offenders and maintaining public order, while the problems and needs of victims were largely ignored. As a result, many victims were left without any form of support or relief, even after the offender was punished. This situation created a serious gap in the delivery of justice. The concept of compensation to victims emerged to address this imbalance and to ensure that justice is meaningful and humane. Victim compensation refers to the financial assistance provided to victims of crime by the court or the State to help them recover from the harm they have suffered. This assignment explores the idea of victim compensation as an important element of a victim-centric justice system and explains how it contributes to social justice and legal reform.

The study discusses the shift from an offender-centric approach to a victim-centric approach in criminal law, where the dignity, rights, and rehabilitation of victims are given priority. It also examines the constitutional basis and legal provisions in India that support victim compensation, highlighting the role of the State and the judiciary in protecting victims’ rights. Further, the assignment identifies the challenges in the implementation of victim compensation schemes, such as lack of awareness, procedural delays, and inadequate compensation amounts. The assignment concludes that compensation to victims is not merely a financial remedy but a vital tool for restoring dignity, promoting equality, and achieving social transformation. By recognizing and supporting victims, the law moves towards a more just, compassionate, and balanced criminal justice system.
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Pages:12-18
How to cite this article:
C S SURAJ "Compensation to Victims: As an Instrument of Social Justice". International Journal of Law, Policy and Social Review, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 12-18
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