The objectives of the Bill are to set put, uphold and enforce the rights and entitlements of victims of crimes and witnesses and provides a mechanism to promote , protect, enforce and exercise such rights and entitlements.
It provides for the payment of compensation to victims of crime in consideration of the expenses incurred as a result of the offence committed and his participation in any judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings before a court or Commission, pertaining to the alleged offence or an alleged infringement of a fundamental right or a violation of a human right.
Under the provisions of the Bill, witnesses will be entitled to receive from investigational, quasi-judicial and judicial authorities fair and respectful treatment, with due regard to his dignity and privacy. Witnesses will also protected against harassment and intimidation, coercion, for volunteering to make a statement during an investigation or for providing testimony in a court or before a Commission, relating to the alleged commission of an offence or an alleged infringement of a fundamental right or a violation of a human right.(Special Reporter/HC)