HC for model relief plan for crime victims

Chandigarh, November 16
The Punjab and Haryana High Court today made it clear that it was in favour of formulating a model “victim compensation scheme”.

The Division Bench of Justice MM Kumar and Justice Augustine George Masih asked senior advocate-cum-amicus curiae RS Cheema to suggest the scheme for victims of crimes in consultation with other counsel, for consideration by the Court.

The direction came during the resumed hearing of a PIL filed by advocate-cum-petitioner HC Arora. The High Court too has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter.

The instructions were issued soon after the Court took on record the victim compensation schemes evolved by some of the state governments. The High Court observed that there was a huge difference in the amounts prescribed by various States, including the States of Punjab, Haryana and UT Chandigarh for victims of crimes.

The Bench also issued notices to the States of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on Arora’s plea for directions to the respondents to incorporate suitable provisions for payment of compensation to victims of acid attacks and those afflicted with burn injuries. He also asked for free medical aid, including reimbursement of expenses for plastic surgery of such victims.

He argued the Punjab Government had fixed totally inappropriate amounts for compensation to victims of this type of crime, while the UT has not prescribed any amount at all for the purpose.

The Bench asked the amicus curie to take note of Arora’s suggestions, while formulating the model scheme to be presented before the HC.

Court says...

There is a huge difference in the amounts prescribed by various states, including Punjab and Haryana for victims of various crimes

While the Punjab Government has fixed totally inappropriate amount for compensation to victims, the UT has not prescribed any amount at all

Some states have already evolved compensation schemes