The extra-judicial killing of Akshay Shinde in police custody, accused in the Badlapur POCSO case, has once again compelled experts to raise their concern about the victim's right to justice. Criminologists, psychiatrists and child protection professional feel that the victim’s right to justice has been snatched away by the swift extra-judicial killing of the accused.

Victim’s right to justice

“Shinde’s death in police custody has reignited debate on extra-judicial killings and the right of accused to a fair trial. However, what often gets overlooked is the profound impact such incidents have on the victim’s right to justice. When an accused is killed before a trial, the victim is denied the legal process meant to deliver justice. It’s not merely about convicting the offender; it’s about the victim’s right to see the judicial system uphold accountability,” said advocate Mohini Priya, advocate on record, Supreme Court.