Stressing that the criminal justice system must look beyond punishment and focus equally on victim rehabilitation, the Chief Justice of India observed that acid attack survivors often endure suffering that extends far beyond the immediate act of violence, requiring sustained institutional support and societal reintegration.
The remarks were made during a high-level roundtable discussion hosted at the University of Cambridge, which brought together eminent judges, academics, senior advocates, policymakers and legal practitioners from India and the United Kingdom to deliberate on contemporary challenges in criminal justice, migration, international arbitration, artificial intelligence and legal innovation.
The roundtable was a closed door and the discussion covered a wide range of subjects, including victim-centric criminal justice reforms, support mechanisms for survivors of sexual offences, migration and citizenship law, international commercial arbitration, bilateral investment frameworks, digital public infrastructure, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in justice delivery.
Opening the session, Professor Louise Gullifer noted that the gathering had been kept restricted due to examination schedules. The Round-table enabling an intimate exchange of ideas between the Chief Justice of India, faculty members from diverse disciplines, and leading legal practitioners and policymakers on their ongoing research and contemporary legal challenges. The closed Door Roundtable was Coordinated and organised by Geeta luthra President, Oxford and Cambridge Society of India on behalf of the Society.
Speaking on victim rehabilitation, the Chief Justice observed that acid attack survivors often face challenges that are “worse than many other victims” because they suffer not only physical violence but also permanent disfigurement and lifelong social and psychological trauma.
Emphasising the need for a humane criminal justice system, the Chief Justice said that the greatest challenge lies in rehabilitating and reintegrating victims into society, noting that compensation alone cannot address the profound impact of such crimes.
The Chief Justice highlighted that courts have increasingly recognised the importance of rehabilitation and have passed wide-ranging directions in acid attack cases aimed at ensuring victims receive meaningful support. Stressing that the State must establish robust mechanisms for rehabilitation, the Chief Justice observed that where such support is inadequate, courts must intervene to safeguard victims’ rights and dignity.
Drawing a parallel with prison reforms, the Chief Justice noted that just as correctional institutions seek to reintegrate reformed offenders into society, equal attention must be devoted to rebuilding the lives of victims whose futures have been permanently altered by violent crimes.
The Chief Justice further remarked that the evolution of criminal jurisprudence must take a “sociological dimension,” placing rehabilitation and reintegration at the heart of justice delivery.
