UPSC Notes

Victim-Centric Approach in Criminal Justice for Human Trafficking

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC cares about criminal justice reforms, human rights, social justice issues like human trafficking, and the role of the judiciary in upholding fundamental rights and ensuring dignity for vulnerable sections of society.

The victim-centric approach in criminal justice prioritizes the rights, needs, and dignity of victims throughout the legal process, moving beyond a traditional focus solely on the offender. This approach is particularly crucial in cases of human trafficking, where victims often face re-victimization and lack agency.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Landmark Judgment

Prajwala vs. Union of India (May 2026)

Core Shift

Places sex-trafficked persons at the center of all criminal justice proceedings.

Rehabilitation Status

Ensured as a right, not charity or favour.

Scope of Victim

Includes all women in sex work (coerced, normalized, voluntary), acknowledging inherent exploitation risk.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaSocial Justice & Development

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Supreme Court of IndiaDelivers landmark judgments, interprets law
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)Provides legal aid and victim support schemes
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Quick revision

  • Prajwala vs. Union of India (2026) judgment.
  • Ensures rehabilitation as a right for sex-trafficked persons.
  • Defines all women in sex work as potential victims.
  • Introduces a structured Victim Protection Plan.
  • Emphasizes dignity, informed consent, and agency of victims.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Social Justice & Development

A ‘victim-centric’ shift in cases of sex trafficking

28 Aug 2026 · The Prajwala judgment marks a paradigm shift towards a victim-centric approach in sex trafficking cases, recognizing rehabilitation and dignity as fundamental rights for all women in sex work, and providing a structured Victim Protection Plan.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Victim-Centric Approach in Criminal Justice for Human Trafficking in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Victim-Centric Approach in Criminal Justice for Human Trafficking

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