Inaugural Programme:
A one day state level seminar on the topic “Need for Legislation: Victim Compensation and Protection of witness” was held at Vivekananda Law college campus on 12 /06/2024.The seminar was organized in association with Karnataka State Institute for Law and Parliamentary Reform (KILPAR), Bengaluru.
Addressing the student community after inaugurating the ceremony, Sri K. Dwarakanath Babu, Director of Karnataka State Institute for Law and Parliamentary Reform, (KILPAR) Bengaluru said that administration of criminal justice has become an instrument of political persecution on the one hand, and a means of social fortification of crime on the other, made the life of honest and law abiding miserable. The criminal law and policy has to deal with complex and competing claims of various stake holders which include the culprit, the victim, the witness and a host of others involved in the administration of criminal justice and also importantly it should uphold public justice.
Sri. Surendra Kini, President of Vivekananda Law College Governing Council presided over the programme. Dr. Revaiah Odeyar, Research Head, KILPAR, gave introductory speech.
Sri Pushparaj Adyanthaya, Senior Advocate and Special Public Prosecutor pf POCSO Court, Mangalore gave a keynote speech in this seminar and explained the awareness of the rights of crime victims and protection of witnesses in the Indian criminal justice system, the history of the relevant law, important judgments and recent developments.
Dr. C. S. Patil . Research Director, KILPAR, Banglore, Sri Vijayanarayana M.K., Correspondent, Vivekananda Law College Governing Council, Dr. B.K. Ravindra , Director of Legal Studies of Vivekananda Law College were present during the occasion.
Smt. Akshatha A.P, Principal of Vivekananda Law College welcomed the gathering. Sri Lakshmikanth Rai, A , Programme coordinator and Asst.Prof. of Political Science proposed vote of thanks.
1st session:
Topic: Constitutional Remedies to the Victims in India
The Resource Person for the session was Sri Parameshwar Jois, Senior Advocate, Mangalore. The session was moderated by Sri Sudheer Kumar Tholpady, Advocate, Puttur.
The speaker addressed the gathering about the victim compensation schemes and purpose of compensation to the victims or his dependents who have suffered loss or injury as a result of crime .A landmark judgment on guidelines laid down by supreme court for acid attack survivors and for regulation of rules regarding availability of acid for sale, The case of Lakshmi v/s Union of India and others (2014SC (4)427) was discussed in the session.
2nd Session: Opportunities and challenges in protecting victims under judicial system
The Resource Person for the session was Sri B. Narasimha Prasad, Advocate, Puttur. The session was moderated by Dr. B.K.Ravindra, Director of Legal Studies, Vivekananda Law College.
The speaker spoke on need for witness’ protection. Stressing on the amendment taken in the year 2012, was as a result of Nirbhaya case where it has been observed that even if eye witness turns hostile, based on scientific proof court may convict him along with that speedy trial was also recommended.
3rd Session:
4th Session: Seminar presentation by students
Landmark judgments of the courts regarding ‘compensation to victims’ and historical aspects and plans:
Sri Mahesh Kaje, Advocate, Puttur was the Resource Person. The session was moderated by Smt. Annapurna V Shetty, Advocate, Puttur.
The speaker said that the provision grants the court the power to direct the state to provide compensation to the victim if the amount awarded under section 357 is not sufficient for their rehabilitation, or in cases where the accused is acquitted or discharged and the victim requires rehabilitation.
Students of Vivekananda Law College presented seminars on different topics. This session was moderated by Sri Manohar A, Advocate, Puttur.
Valedictory programme:
Valedictory programme of a one day state level seminar on the topic “Need for legislation: Victim Compensation and Protection of witness” was held on 12/06/2024 at Vivekananda Law College auditorium.
Dr. C.S. Patil , Research Director of KILPAR, Mangalore was the chief guest for the programme.
The programme was presided over by Dr. B.K Ravindra, Director of Legal Studies, Vivekananda Law College.
Sri K. Dwarakanath Babu, Director of Karnataka State Institute for Law and Parliamentary Reform (KILPAR), Bengaluru, Dr. Revaiah Odeyar, Research Head, KILPAR were present during the occasion.
Miss Shiny Vijetha , Asst. Prof. of Law welcomed the gathering . Miss Disha, Asst. Prof. of Law proposed vote of thanks.