Abstract:
This dissertation delves into the concept of a victim impact statement and how it can be
incorporated into the Indian criminal justice system, a victim impact statement is a tool that
helps victims participate in the criminal justice process and allows them to describe what is
the impact of the crime, this statement helps the court in assessing the impact of the crime.
This dissertation traces the history and origin of the victim impact statement, how the victim
rights movement brought the concept of victim impact statement, and how it spread into other
jurisdictions. This dissertation compares the victim impact statement with the victim impact
report which was recently introduced through Central Motor Vehicle Rules 2022, while the
victim impact report is the first of its kind to acknowledge the victim's rights and assess the
impact of crime on victims, it significantly differs from the victim impact statement in the
format, scope, and purpose. This dissertation also highlights the limitations of the victim
impact report. This dissertation through the comprehensive study of the literature and other
models of victim impact statement provides the recommendation for incorporating the
concept of victim impact statement into the Indian criminal justice. These recommendations
cover aspects such as legislative reforms, standard format, victim support services, judicial
discretion, and safeguarding the rights and privacy of victims while balancing out the rights
of the accused. By highlighting importance of the victim participation in the criminal justice
system in protecting the interest of the victims, this dissertation argues for a victim-centric
approach to the criminal justice system. By incorporating the victim impact statement, the
Indian criminal justice system can ensure fairness and empathy towards the victims, thereby
providing justice to all.
