Yes, a criminal court in Delhi can award compensation to the victim even during a pending trial, since Section 396 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (corresponding to the earlier Section 357A of the Code of Criminal Procedure) establishes a victim compensation scheme that allows courts to recommend or direct compensation to victims of crime, recognising that victims should not have to wait until the trial's final conclusion to receive some measure of financial relief, particularly in cases involving significant harm or loss.

Under this framework, the court can direct the District Legal Services Authority or State Legal Services Authority to award compensation to the victim, and this determination can occur at various stages, including during the pendency of trial where the victim's need is genuine and the circumstances of the case, such as the severity of injury or financial loss suffered, justify interim compensation rather than requiring the victim to wait for the trial's final outcome and conviction, if any.

The compensation awarded is generally intended to address the victim's rehabilitation needs, medical expenses, or other tangible losses resulting from the offence, and importantly, this compensation scheme operates independently of whether the accused is ultimately convicted, since it is designed as a victim-support mechanism rather than being contingent on establishing the accused's guilt beyond reasonable doubt through the full criminal trial process.

If you are a victim seeking compensation during a pending trial in Delhi, or if you are an accused person concerned about how victim compensation proceedings might affect your case, it is important to understand the specific procedural requirements and implications involved. Consulting the team at Aapka Legal Advice can help you navigate the victim compensation process, whether pursuing a claim or understanding its implications for your defence.

Given the interplay between victim compensation schemes and the ongoing criminal trial, obtaining a second opinion from a retired judge on how this process might affect your specific case can provide valuable additional clarity. Delhi's experienced criminal lawyers and retired judges, available through Aapka Legal Advice's Delhi criminal lawyer directory, regularly assist with these victim compensation matters.

In conclusion, Delhi criminal courts do have the authority to award or facilitate compensation to victims even during a pending trial, reflecting the law's recognition that victim support need not wait for the trial's final resolution.