National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi) has announced a major step forward for victim rights and justice delivery in India. The university’s Centre for Criminology and Victimology (CCV) has been awarded a substantial ₹4.74 crore grant from the Azim Premji Foundation to establish the groundbreaking Victim Advocacy Project (VAP).
This significant funding marks the launch of India’s first initiative of its kind to be led by a law school. The VAP is designed to strengthen the representation, support, and overall role of victims within the complex criminal justice system, integrating academic rigor with real-world field engagement and litigation support. This action project aims to mitigate crime-related difficulties at the grassroots level through expert legal intervention, counseling, and sustained community mobilization.
Why the Victim Advocacy Project (VAP) Matters
Victims of crime often face immense challenges navigating the legal system, frequently lacking the necessary legal assistance and representation. The VAP seeks to fill these critical gaps, particularly within the National Capital Territory of Delhi, by providing structured, professional, and continuous support at every stage of the legal process.
Key Goals and Impact (Next Three Years)
- Victim Support: Represent and support more than 450 victims of crime across all phases from FIR and investigation to trial, appeal, and rehabilitation.
- Capacity Building: Build a specialized cadre of Litigation Fellows and Paralegals, providing them with intensive training in victim rights, court procedures, and trauma-informed engagement.
- Professional Mentorship: Ensure high-quality, ethical representation through professional mentorship led by leading senior advocates.
- Systemic Reform: Generate crucial evidence-based insights to inform legal reforms, policy improvements, and enhance institutional accountability.
- Scalable Model: Integrate research and field practice to develop a replicable and scalable model of victim advocacy for nationwide implementation.
A Transformative Vision for Law and Society
Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor, NLU Delhi, emphasized the project’s significance, stating,
“This project marks a transformative shift in how law universities can meaningfully engage with society. Through the Victim Advocacy Project, we are not only advancing research and training but also directly contributing to justice, dignity, and empowerment for those who need it the most.”
This initiative underscores NLU Delhi’s commitment to bridging the gap between legal scholarship and social impact, solidifying its reputation as a national leader in criminology, victimology, and justice reform.
The Azim Premji Foundation’s generous support highlights the urgent need for well-resourced interventions that prioritize victims. The grant will enable the University’s CCV to implement a multi-layered program that includes:
- Legal representation
- Counselling and psychosocial support
- Community engagement
- Training and capacity-building
- Research and documentation
This powerful partnership reflects a shared vision of advancing equity, justice, and institutional responsiveness in India.
About CCV, NLU Delhi
The Centre for Criminology and Victimology (CCV) is India’s premier institution dedicated to research, policy engagement, and training in criminology, victimology, and criminal justice reform. Through extensive national and international collaborations, CCV continually contributes to vital debates on policing, penal reform, victim rights, and restorative justice.