Victim Compensation Scheme is introduced by Act 5 of the year 2009 by the amendment in which one of the following Sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Section 357A.

The Victim Compensation Scheme was introduced into the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, through the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2008 (often referred to as Act 5 of 2009 based on its notification/enforcement year). This amendment came into effect on December 31, 2009.

Key Provisions of Section 357A/ 396 of BNSS:

• State Responsibility: It mandates every State Government, in coordination with the Central Government, to prepare a scheme for providing funds to compensate victims or their dependents who have suffered loss or injury and require rehabilitation.
• Recommendation by Court: The trial court can recommend compensation if the amount awarded under Section 357 (which comes from the offender) is inadequate or if the case ends in acquittal or discharge but the victim still requires rehabilitation.
• Untraced Offenders: One of the most significant features is that even if the offender is not traced or identified, the victim can still apply to the State or District Legal Services Authority for compensation.
• Quantum Decided by Legal Services Authority: While the court makes the recommendation, the actual quantum of compensation is decided by the State or District Legal Services Authority (SLSA/DLSA).