DSLSA To Delhi High Court: Preparing SOP For 81,902 POSCO Cases Where Victims Yet To Receive Compensation

The Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) in the case Umesh v. State (and other connected matters) observed and has informed the High Court that it is in the process of preparing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), in consultation with other stakeholders, dealing with 81,902 disposed of cases under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 where compensation has not been granted to the victims.
The bench of Justice Jasmeet Singh in the order dated October 7 observed and has stated that it is expected that the SOP shall be ready and implemented within a period of four weeks.
Earlier the court was informed by Harshita Mishra, Secretary Litigation that she has received a communication regarding the sanction of Rs 15.50 crores by the Delhi government.
Last month, it has been directed by the Delhi Government to release a sum of Rs. 15.5 crores to DSLSA in order for meeting the compensation claims of rape victims.
However, the submission was made in the matter pertaining to the issue of supply of FIRs, pertaining to the commission of sexual offences, to DSLSA for the purposes of granting interim compensation to the victims.
Thus, the court listed the matter for further hearing on November 29.
It has been observed by the court that Special Courts must, on their own, initiate action for grant of interim compensation to child victims at the earliest, without waiting for them for filling of an application for the same.
The details have also been sought from the DSLSA regarding payment and non-payment of compensation to victims in relation to the FIRs pertaining to sexual offences.
Also, the Delhi Police has informed the Court that all the District DCPs were sensitized and necessary Standing Orders were issued so that the entire data with respect to the cases pertaining to sexual offences that can be shared with DSLSA.
The court while keeping in view that such default in sharing of data is recurring in nature, earlier, the court had sought measures to ensure that no victim is left without compensation or counselling.