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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court recently issued directions to the Delhi State Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) to expedite the compensation process for the minor (POCSO) victims. The court remarked that "there is a clear disconnect between the POCSO Courts and the concerned Delhi State Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs)."

The said issues concerning compensation for minor victims were brought to the court's attention during a criminal appeal filed by one Rampreet, who was involved in a POCSO case.

The bench presided over by Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Amit Sharma, directed the DLSAs to prepare a flowchart detailing the communication process between POCSO Courts and the DLSAs. The court said, "This flowchart should explain how the DLSAs will report back to the POCSO Courts upon compliance after the release of compensation."

The court noted that even the victims with special abilities had not received their compensation and said, "Even survivors with special abilities have not received the compensation, and the concerned DLSA is often unaware of the convictions that take place." The court questioned the DLSA about the delays in releasing compensation, especially in cases where convictions occurred 3 to 4 years ago."

In response, Advocate Ajay Verma, alongside Advocate Abhinav Pandey (Secretary) appearing for DLSA, submitted before the bench that the orders passed by the POCSO courts are not immediately communicated to the DLSA.

Addressing this issue, the bench directed the DLSA to convene meetings with all district DLSAs and the presiding judges of the POCSO courts to establish a standard operating procedure (SOP) aimed at preventing such delays. The said meetings are to be held over the next six weeks.

The court in order to bridge the communication gap between the DLSA and POCSO Courts ordered the creation of dedicated email IDs for each district's DLSA, which will enable POCSO Courts to communicate orders of conviction or grant of interim and final compensation to survivors within 24 hours of the order's pronouncement.

Consequently, the court also sought a response from the DLSA and ordered it to initiate the compensation process for the victim in this present case. Thereby permitting it to obtain an electronic copy of the court record from the registry.

Notably, on September 24, 2024, the court emphasized the persistent disconnect between the POCSO Courts and the DLSAs regarding the disbursement of victim compensation.

Case Title: Rampreet v State