Author
Prof Anju Vali Tikoo
Organisation/Institution
Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, India
Country
INDIA
Panel
Criminal Law
Title
From Harm to Healing:Understanding Justice For Acid Attack Survivors Through Restorative Justice Strategies in South Asian Nations
Abstract
Conventional Criminal Justice system of South Asian Nations and particularly India has been more often than not questioned for its inclusivity. An equal opportunity to all the stakeholders to have effective participatory rights in the justice delivery mechanism has always been an area of inquiry. Ironically in majority of cases the victims of crime, become the forgotten soul with no or very little opportunity to have a direct and effective say in the system. This has been witnessed in all kinds of crime, more so when the victims are the victims of heinous crimes like acid attacks. At one end when they are already dealing with the shock and trauma of such grave and hatred attack on them, and managing their treatment and medicines, the complex justice delivery mechanism further deteriorates their condition and provide no healing from the pain they suffer. Rather it aggravates their pain. The present research paper explores the possibility of employing restorative justice strategies as a complementary framework to conventional criminal justice system ,where the justice is victim-centered and therapeutic. As the Researchers understand that the purpose of law is not just to release or convict an accused but to also ensure the healing of the victim. Law in it’s nature and function has to be therapeutic. To conduct this research, a qualitative research methodology was adopted. The primary tool of data collection has been in-depth semi-structured interviews of the acid attack survivors as well as questionnaires circulated to other stakeholders along with medical practioners and psychologist. A purposive- convenience sampling method was employed based on the experience of victims related to the crime, availability and willingness of the participants to respond.
Biography
Prof Anju Vali Tikoo is currently the Head and Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. She is passionate about teaching and facilitates learning through lived experiences.She has mentored students at DU and National Law University Delhi for over thirtysix yrs. Prof. Tikoo is also on the Board of Research/Studies of National Judicial Academy, Bhopal, Indian Law Institute, New-Delhi, Central University of Panjab, South Asian University amongst others. Her areas of research focus are Criminal Laws, Gender Justice, Public Health Laws, Criminology and Victimology. She was a resource person for the Menon Committee on reforms in Criminal Laws. Recognizing her doctoral research on Organ Transplant Law, the High Court of Delhi appointed her as amicus curiae to assist the court in framing rules under THOTA, 1994. She was also a consultant for the International project of BRICS Countries on “Right to Health: Bridges to Sanitary Democracy” (2012-2014). She also has a project on “Reproductive Rights of Women” to her credit. Prof. Tikoo has authored four books and published papers. She is the visiting faculty in various institutions including Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training, Institute of Constitutional and Parliamentary Studies, MHRD, DJA. She has been a panelist/ resource person in various National and International fora. Prof. Tikoo was awarded with the “PHENOMENAL SHE” by Indian Bar Association as powerful women influencer on the occasion of International Women’ Day in 2023.
