The Supreme Court of India has directed trial courts to include victim compensation orders in their judgments to tackle delays and provide support to crime survivors. This ruling emphasizes prompt implementation under key legal provisions.
The Supreme Court issued a mandate requiring trial courts to order victim compensation as part of their judgments, aiming to address longstanding delays in the process. This directive ensures that crime survivors receive timely support, fulfilling the objectives of victim rehabilitation.
The ruling highlights the importance of Section 357A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which empowers courts and legal services authorities to award compensation from state funds when offenders cannot pay. It also applies to cases under the POCSO Act, protecting children from sexual offenses by guaranteeing financial aid for medical and psychological needs.
By integrating compensation orders directly into verdicts, the court seeks to streamline the system and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that previously left victims waiting for years. Legal experts note this as a step toward restorative justice, though implementation will depend on coordination between trial courts and district legal services authorities.
The decision underscores the judiciary's commitment to victim-centric approaches in India's criminal justice framework.