Rape survivor moves HC for govt compensation, matter disposed of after SLSA says money released

Read Order: Ms. Xxxxx v. State of Punjab and another  

LE Correspondent

Chandigarh, August 12, 2021: A rape survivor moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court to release interim compensation in view of the Punjab government’s policy regarding the same introduced in May 2018.

Hearing the matter, the bench of Justice Lisa Gill put on record the written statement by way of affidavit dated August 8, 2021 of Arun Gupta, Member Secretary, Punjab State Legal Services Authority (PSLSA).

In the affidavit, Gupta stated that when the matter came to the notice of PSLSA,  immediate steps were taken to ensure the release of interim compensation to the survivor.

An application was moved before the Special Court in accordance with law and by order dated May 18, 2021, interim compensation of Rs.1,75,000 i.e., 25% of the maximum compensation of Rs. 7,00,000, was directed to be released. The said compensation has since been released to the petitioner, the affidavit said.

“Learned counsel for the petitioner does not deny the same and submits that this writ petition is rendered infructuous. Writ petition is disposed of accordingly,” stated the bench.