The Supreme Court, on Thursday, directed all states and Union Territories to formulate a uniform scheme to provide compensation to victims of rape and sexual exploitation, especially those who are physically disadvantaged, saying there was “need to introspect” on their rehabilitation.
The apex court said they should consider and formulate programmes for such victims in light of the scheme framed in Goa, which provides compensation of up to Rs 10 lakh.
All the states and Union Territories shall make endeavours to formulate a uniform scheme for providing victim compensation in respect of rape/sexual exploitation with the physically handicapped women as required under the law taking into consideration the scheme framed by the State of Goa for rape victim compensation.Supreme Court Bench
It said the authorities should look into Victim Compensation Scheme under Section 357-A of CrPC for providing compensation to the victim or dependents who have suffered loss as a result of such crime.
The court said that there was no uniform practice being followed in providing compensation to the rape victim for her rehabilitation.
This practice of giving different amounts ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 10,00,000 as compensation for the offence of rape under section 357 A needs to be introspected by all the States and the Union Territories...Indisputably, no amount of money can restore the dignity and confidence that the accused took away from the victim.
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