National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi)’s Centre for Criminology and Victimology (CCV) has been awarded a generous grant of ₹4.74 crore by the Azim Premji Foundation to establish the Victim Advocacy Project (VAP) — a pioneering initiative aimed at strengthening the role and representation of victims within the criminal justice system.
This grant marks a major milestone for both NLU Delhi and the broader field of victimology in India. The Victim Advocacy Project is the first initiative of its kind to be launched by any law school in the country, integrating academic excellence, field engagement, litigation support, and systemic reform. This initiative functions as an action project aimed at mitigating crime-related difficulties at the grassroots level through expert-led legal intervention, counselling support, advocacy efforts, and sustained community mobilisation.
The Victim Advocacy Project seeks to enhance victims’ access to justice, particularly within the National Capital Territory of Delhi, by addressing long-standing gaps in legal assistance, representation, and participation. Recognizing that victims often struggle to navigate the complex criminal justice process, the project is designed to offer structured, professional, and continuous support at every stage.
Over the next three years, VAP aims to:
- Represent and support more than 450 victims of crimethrough all phases of the criminal justice process — from FIR and investigation to trial, appeal, and rehabilitation.
- Build a specialized cadre of Litigation Fellows and Paralegals, trained intensively in victim rights, court procedures, and trauma-informed engagement.
- Provide professional mentorshipby leading senior advocates to ensure high-quality litigation support and ethical representation.
- Generate evidence-based insightsthat contribute to legal reforms, policy improvements, and greater institutional accountability.
- Integrate research and field practiceto develop a scalable model of victim advocacy for replication across India.
Commenting on the launch, Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor, NLU Delhi, stated:
“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.”
The Azim Premji Foundation’s support underscores the urgent need for systemic, well-resourced interventions that place victims at the centre of the justice process. The Foundation’s contribution will enable the University to implement a structured, multi-layered program involving:
- Legal representation
- Counselling and psychosocial support
- Community engagement
- Training and capacity-building
- Research and documentation
