18.
The answer is: A
Explanation
The correct option is A: 2009.
The definition of the "victim" was incorporated in the Code of Criminal Procedure by the Amendment Act of 2009, which came into force on 31st December, 2009.
According to Section 2 (wa) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a victim is "a person who has suffered any loss or injury caused by reason of the act or omission for which the accused person has been charged and the expression 'victim' includes his or her guardian or legal heir". This amendment was intended to provide specific rights and protection to the victims of crime and their representatives in the criminal justice system.
Some additional sentences are:
- The amendment also introduced provisions for the establishment of a Directorate of Prosecution, the appointment of victim compensation schemes, the recording of statements and confessions by audio-video means, and the plea bargaining for certain offences.
- The amendment was based on the recommendations of the Law Commission of India in its 154th and 177th reports, which aimed to ensure fair and speedy justice and to tone up the criminal justice system.