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Date of Decision: 4th October, 2024
RAM PREET .....Appellant
Through: Ms. Manika Tripathy, DHCLSC & Mr. Barun Dey, Advs.
(M:8448948070)
Through: Mr. Ritesh Kumar Bahri, APP
Mr. Ajay Verma, Adv. for DSLSA
(Litigation), DSLSA.
Prathiba M. Singh, J. (Oral)
JUDGMENT
1. This hearing has been done through hybrid mode.
2. In the previous order i.e., order dated 24th September, 2024, the Court had observed the existence of a clear disconnect between the POCSO Courts and the concerned Delhi State Legal Service Authorities with regard to the manner in which victim compensation is being disbursed to survivors.
3. This Court has noticed that in several cases, even survivors with special abilities are not released the compensation and in fact, the concerned DLSA is not even aware of the conviction(s), which takes place. There is clearly a disconnect between the POCSO Courts and the concerned Delhi State Legal Service Authorities. 17:35
4. Mr. Ajay Verma, ld. Counsel along with Mr. Abhinav Pandey, Secretary (Litigation) from the DSLSA (Delhi State Legal Services Authority) are present before this Court to assist the court in this regard. The Court has queried as to why there is a delay in releasing of compensation to the survivors, especially in those cases where convictions have already taken place 3 to 4 years back.
5. It is their submission that the orders passed by POCSO courts are not immediately communicated to the DSLSA. In this view of the matter, let the Secretary, DSLSA hold a meeting with all the DLSAs and the concerned Presiding Judges, POCSO Courts in each district to set up Standard Operating Procedure to prevent these delays. The said meetings shall be held over the next six weeks.
6. Let a dedicated Email ID be created for each of the districts of Delhi Legal Service Authorities so that the POCSO Courts can communicate the orders of conviction or grant of interim and final compensation to the survivors within 24 hours after the order is pronounced.
7. Further, Let a flow chart be prepared explaining the manner in which the communication from the POCSO Courts to the concerned DLSAs shall take place and how the concerned DLSAs after release of the compensation would report back to the POCSO Courts upon compliance.
8. In this case, the notice to the survivor is stated to be served. Let a Counsel be made available through DHCLSC for the survivor, who shall also be ready for submissions before the next date of hearing.
9. Let the process for release of compensation to the survivor in this case be undertaken by the concerned DLSA. The DSLSA/DLSA is permitted to obtain the electronic copy of the Court Record of this case from the registry 17:35 upon request.
10. List on 9th December, 2024 for the report to be filed by the DSLSA.
PRATHIBA M. SINGH JUDGE AMIT SHARMA JUDGE OCTOBER 04, 2024/dk/nd/Am/Pc 17:35