Victim Participation and Mutually Satisfactory Disposition in Plea Bargaining Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Plea bargaining is an alternative mechanism for resolving eligible criminal cases within the framework of criminal procedure. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) recognises plea bargaining under Chapter XXIII, Sections 289–300. An important feature of this framework is the participation of victims in arriving at a mutually satisfactory disposition. Victim participation promotes fairness, transparency and consideration of compensation while protecting the procedural rights of the accused. This article examines the statutory framework governing plea bargaining, the role of victims, the importance of compensation, relevant judicial decisions and the challenges associated with implementation. It adopts a doctrinal research methodology based on statutory provisions, judicial precedents and secondary legal sources.