The Delhi High Court has amended its Rules and Orders to clarify that in criminal proceedings, the term “parties” shall be deemed to include the complainant and/or victim. The amendment has been made by inserting an explanation after Rule 2 of Part C of Chapter 16 of Volume IV of the Delhi High Court Rules & Orders.

As per the notification dated January 19, 2026, the expression “victim” will carry the meaning assigned under Section 2(y) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (corresponding to Section 2(wa) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973). The amendment has been brought into force in exercise of the powers under Section 7 of the Delhi High Court Act, 1966, read with Article 227 of the Constitution of India, and with the prior approval of the Lieutenant Governor of the NCT of Delhi.

2 (y) “victim” means a person who has suffered any loss or injury caused by reason of the act or omission of the accused person and includes the guardian or legal heir of such victim;

The amendment will come into effect from the date of its publication in the Gazette.