Chandigarh:8 July 2024: Criminal justice is the delivery of justice to those accused of committing crimes. Under the Constitution of India, every individual charged with a crime is entitled to a fair trial. Without such procedures, anyone could falsely accuse an innocent person, leading to widespread injustice.
The primary purpose of the criminal justice system is to ensure justice is served. It protects the rights of the accused and provides victims with justice. The system aims to punish the guilty and compensate those who have been wronged, covering major aspects like the rehabilitation of offenders, crime prevention, and moral support for victims. The accused are treated fairly and granted their due rights.
The Indian Constitution safeguards certain rights in criminal proceedings, including protection against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and retrospective punishment. Article 20 states that no one can be convicted for an act that was not an offense at the time of its commission, nor can anyone receive a greater punishment than what was provided by the law at that time. Article 22 ensures every person the right to defend themselves through a lawyer. Article 39A mandates the State to provide a lawyer to anyone unable to obtain legal services due to disabilities.
Depending on the severity of the crime, the accused can be punished under the Indian Penal Code through imprisonment, fines, or capital punishment. There are numerous reasons why individuals turn to crime, often stemming from adverse conditions such as abuse and neglect, leading to feelings of dejection or desperation.
Rather than viewing criminals as inherently "bad," it's crucial to understand they may have made mistakes, suffer from addictions or mental illnesses, or have faced significant hardships. In 2024, the total number of pending cases across all types and stages is 5.1 crores, with over 1,80,000 court cases pending for more than 30 years. This backlog highlights the urgent need for a more efficient and fair criminal justice system.
By Ramanjot Singh
Legal expert
https://in.linkedin.com/in/contactramanjot9815033834
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