SC To Formulate Integrated System For Payment Of Compensation And Rehabilitation Of Sexual Assault Victims [Read Order]

Expressing disappointment with the lack of a mechanism for utilization of the Nirbhaya fund, the Supreme Court has decided to take up the issue and lay down guidelines for proper utilization of the money allotted under the scheme.

During the hearing, the Bench comprising Justice M.B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta scorned at the “unhappy state of affairs” and noted, “It appears to us that there is no integrated system with regard to disbursal, management and payment of compensation for victims of sexual assault.

Prima facie, it appears to us that funds are being handed over to the States by the Union of India but there is no payment to the victims. There is no record of how many victims of sexual assault have received compensation and to what extent and how much time it has taken and at what stage compensation is paid to the victims.

This is an unhappy state of affairs and the victims of apathy are only those who had already suffered sexual assault and nobody else.”

It, thereafter, ordered amicus curiae Ms. Indira Jaising and the Centre to make their submissions on “how best to evolve an integrated and cohesive system of payment of compensation to victims of sexual assault and also steps to rehabilitate these victims or at least reduce or eliminate the trauma they have undergone.”

Listing the matter for 4 October, the Court has directed the Member Secretary of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to remain present in the Court on the date of the hearing.