Sat Nov 08 12:56:39 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
The Supreme Court of India has intervened to address a widespread lack of awareness and implementation of victim compensation schemes in cases of serious crimes, particularly rape. The court’s action was prompted by the death of an intellectually disabled rape survivor who never received adequate compensation despite a court order. The court has mandated that all State High Courts communicate its order to Special and Session Judges, emphasizing the crucial role of trial courts in recommending and directing appropriate financial compensation for victims to aid in their rehabilitation. The order directs Judicial Academies to incorporate training on victim compensation to improve awareness. The case highlights systemic failures and administrative apathy in ensuring that victims receive the compensation they are entitled to under the law.
News Article:
Supreme Court Orders Increased Awareness of Victim Compensation Schemes
NEW DELHI, November 8, 2025 – The Supreme Court of India has issued a directive to all State High Courts, calling for increased awareness and diligent implementation of victim compensation schemes. The order comes in response to the tragic death of a rape survivor who spent years awaiting compensation ordered by the trial court, highlighting a systemic failure to support victims of serious crimes.
The court’s decision was spurred by the case of a 25-year-old intellectually disabled woman from Maharashtra, who was raped in 2020. Despite the offender’s conviction and a court order for compensation, the victim received only partial payment before her death in August 2025. Her mother, who was also her caretaker, had passed away in May 2024 after years of trying to get compensation.
Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan observed that many trial judges fail to issue directions for victim compensation, leaving victims to navigate the process on their own. They emphasized that victim compensation is a vital restorative measure in criminal justice, alongside the reformation of the accused.
The court has directed that Special and Sessions Courts must now issue clear directions regarding victim compensation in appropriate cases. These directions aim to facilitate implementation by State Legal Services Authorities. The order also mandates that State Judicial Academies incorporate victim compensation training into their modules.
The move comes after a petition filed by advocate Jyoti Praveen Khandpasole, represented by advocates Gaurav Kumar Bansal and Rani Mishra, which highlighted the “grave Constitutional and systemic failure” in the State’s continued denial of rightful compensation to rape victims due to administrative apathy and neglect.
The Supreme Court’s intervention seeks to ensure that victims of serious crimes receive the financial support they are entitled to under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, thereby promoting their rehabilitation and well-being.
First Piper 