The Delhi High Court set aside the order of the District Victim Compensation Committee, rejecting the grant of interim compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme and directed the Delhi State Legal Service Authority to reconsider the petitioner’s claim for interim compensation under the period of one week. The court further asked the Delhi State Legal Service Authority to take a holistic view, keeping in mind that the petitioner is a victim of sexual offences.
The single judge bench of Justice Rekha Palli was hearing a plea seeking grant of interim compensation in accordance with the Victim Compensation Scheme.
Kanwal Jeet Arora, Member Secretary, Delhi State Legal Service Authority, informed the court that interim compensation sought by the petitioner had been rejected by a detailed order dated November 28, 2020. Arora also stated that the matter was pending before the Delhi State Legal Service Authority and as the matter is disposed of, final compensation may be awarded.
On the last date of hearing, the High Court of Delhi had stated that the grounds taken in the status report and the order of rejection of compensation were at variance and had requested Kanwal Jeet Arora, Member Secretary, Delhi State Legal Service Authority to remain present at court.
Arora further stated that the application was filed six years after the registration of the FIR and there was nothing to show that the petitioner was in immediate need of compensation. Arora also added that after repeated attempts by the Investigating Officer, the petitioner could not be contacted.
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Arora also informed the court that the petitioner in another case has already been granted Rs. 50,000 on July 18, 2014 and further Rs. 25,000 on June 20, 2019.
Advocate Nidhi Mohan appearing for the petitioner argued that the petitioner’s FIR was against Delhi Police and hence the statement of the IO stating the petitioner could not be contacted, could not be taken at face value. Mohan also urged the court to direct the respondents to pay Rs. 50,000 as interim compensation and the quantum of the compensation be decided when the matter is disposed of at Delhi State Legal Service Authority.
The bench has listed the matter for further hearing on August 25, 2021.