Delhi HC Seeks Status Report From DSLSA On Payment Of Compensation To Sexual Assaults Victims

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought a status report from the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) on the payment of compensation to victims of sexual offences, as well as the number of applications filed thus far.

Justice Jasmeet Singh was hearing a slew of petitions concerning the issue of providing FIRs in cases of sexual assaults to the DSLSA for the purpose of granting interim compensation to victims.

The court ordered the authority to file the status report within four weeks and listed the matter for hearing on May 26, 2023.

The court was informed that all stakeholders’ efforts are being directed in the appropriate direction, that files are being processed, and that the compensation process is being initiated.

Previously, while ordering DSLSA to move compensation applications in cases registered between 2012 and 2017, Justice Singh stressed that there will be no need to file a separate application for condonation of delay in order to obtain compensation in such cases.

It had also ordered the Principal District and Sessions Judges to direct judges and other court staff to expeditiously identify and trace out the files of the disposed of cases of POCSO, rape, and other sexual offences and allow inspection by the lawyers provided by Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) for filing of appropriate compensation applications.

Previously, the court stated that Special Courts must take proceedings to give interim compensation to child victims as soon as possible, rather than waiting for them to file an application for the same.

It had also sought details from the DSLSA regarding the payment and non-payment of compensation to victims in respect to FIRs involving sexual assaults.