The Delhi High Court issued crucial directions aimed at preventing delays in releasing compensation to survivors under the POCSO Act. A division bench comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Amit Sharma noted significant communication gaps between POCSO Courts and the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA). These delays, especially affecting survivors with special needs, were highlighted as a major issue.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
To resolve this, the court instructed the DSLSA to collaborate with District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) and POCSO Courts to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This SOP will facilitate timely communication of convictions and compensation orders. The court mandated that district-level meetings be held to formalize this process and ensure smoother operations.
Technological Integration
As part of its directives, the court ordered the creation of dedicated email IDs for each district. These IDs will allow POCSO Courts to communicate their orders to the DLSAs within 24 hours of pronouncing a conviction or compensation decision. Additionally, a flowchart will be developed to streamline the communication process between POCSO Courts and the DSLSA.
Ensuring Accountability
The court also emphasized the need for DSLSA to report back to POCSO Courts once compensation has been released to ensure compliance. This ensures accountability and prevents further delays that could harm survivors. The bench highlighted a specific case where delays in compensation release were reported, bringing attention to the larger systemic issue.
Future Hearings
The court will review the progress of these measures in December 2024, signaling its intent to hold the concerned authorities accountable for any lapses in the compensation process. These directives represent a significant step towards ensuring justice and support for survivors of sexual offenses under the POCSO Act.
0 Comments
Thank you for your response. It will help us to improve in the future.