Abstract

This is an academic paper that closely studies reforms that followed with the Nirbhaya Incident of 2012, with the sole intent to urge for massive comprehensive change in the national criminal justice system. The study discusses amendments made under Criminal Law Amendment Acts in 2013 and 2018 and the reform proposed under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita. This study, therefore, probes the effects of recent legal changes in strengthening protection for victims of sexual violence, while at the same time outlining those which endure in the justice delivery system. The general conclusion this research reaches is that, even with legislative changes to strengthen the legal regime through increased definition of rape and sentencing, systemic problems relating to prolonged investigations, social stigma, and non-implementation continue seriously to cripple the pursuit of justice for survivors. This manuscript requires sustained legislative reforms and social change, which should make the legal framework for the protection of victims of sexual violence adequate.