Tripura has become one of the first Northeastern states to roll out a dedicated Victim and Witness Protection Scheme in alignment with the newly enforced criminal justice reforms, aimed at strengthening the rights and security of victims during legal proceedings.
The scheme, introduced by the state government in accordance with the provisions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, ensures timely compensation, rehabilitation support, and personal safety for victims and witnesses of crimes. The initiative is designed to make the justice delivery process more sensitive, accessible, and victim-oriented.
Officials from the Tripura Law Department confirmed that guidelines have been issued to district legal services authorities and police units across the state to implement the scheme with immediate effect. The plan includes financial aid, psychological support, identity protection, relocation options where necessary, and access to legal aid — especially in cases involving sexual violence, trafficking, and organized crime.
According to a senior government official involved in the scheme’s rollout, “Victim protection isn’t just about physical safety — it’s about giving people the confidence that justice will be delivered without fear or retaliation.”
The initiative follows the recent nationwide implementation of three new criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, which replaced colonial-era laws to create a more citizen-centric justice system.
Legal experts in Tripura have welcomed the move, saying it marks a shift in how victims are treated during criminal trials. “For a long time, victims were seen merely as informants. This scheme affirms their right to protection and dignity throughout the process,” said an Agartala-based criminal lawyer.
Awareness drives are being planned to inform citizens, especially vulnerable groups, about their rights under the new scheme. Law enforcement officials are also undergoing training to ensure smooth coordination between police stations, prosecutors, and legal aid cells.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha had earlier expressed his government’s commitment to fully implement the new criminal codes, emphasizing transparency, quicker trial processes, and a human rights–focused approach.
With this development, Tripura joins a growing list of Indian states actively taking steps to make the criminal justice system more responsive to the needs of those most affected by crime.
