In India’s quest for justice, two mighty pillars stand tall – Compensation and Rehabilitation – extending a helping hand to those whose lives have been shattered by the harsh realities of crime.
Statutory Provisions
- CrPC’s Compassion: Picture Section 357 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) as a compassionate savior, wielding its legal pen to direct offenders to compensate victims. With fines collected from wrongdoers, it grants a lifeline to those in need, healing their wounds and restoring their faith in justice.
- 2008’s Embrace: The CrPC’s Amendment Act of 2008 introduced Section 357A, extending its warm embrace to victims of acid attacks, rape, human trafficking, and other brutal crimes. With this progressive step, the law now ensures that these victims receive the care and financial support they deserve.
- POCSO’s Protection: Amidst these provisions, stands the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, a guardian angel for young souls. It establishes Special Courts with a tender touch, ensuring that child victims find solace, compensation, and protection from their darkest days.
- State Schemes’ Support: States join hands in compassion, establishing Victim Compensation Schemes to cast away victims’ gloom. These thoughtful schemes cover medical expenses, counseling, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, lifting victims towards a brighter tomorrow.
Judicial Decisions
- Acid Attack’s Triumph: In the case of Mohd. Haroon, justice triumphed and scars started to fade. The Supreme Court commanded states to compensate acid attack survivors, ensuring they reclaim their lives and rewrite their stories with newfound hope.
- Laxmi’s Landmark: Laxmi’s resolute plea reached the apex, touching hearts and changing lives. The Supreme Court’s landmark decision directed states to offer aid and compassion to victims of acid attacks, letting them rise from the ashes like phoenixes, stronger than ever before.
- Financial Fairness: Bhagwan Dass’ case shed light on financial fairness. When offenders couldn’t pay, the state stepped in, ensuring that victims receive their due compensation, despite the challenges.
- Trafficking’s Tender Touch: In the halls of the Karnataka High Court, the tender touch of justice was felt. It proclaimed the state’s duty to provide care, rehabilitation, education, and more to victims of human trafficking, guiding them towards a path of healing and renewal.