Death of an intellectually-disabled rape survivor alerts Supreme Court to lapses in victim compensation

Key Points

1. Supreme Court addresses lack of awareness regarding victim compensation.
2. Section 396 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 mandates Victim Compensation Schemes.
3. Central Victim Compensation Fund supports state schemes, especially for rape, acid attacks, and human trafficking.
4. Trial courts can recommend victim compensation, even in cases of acquittal.
5. A 25-year-old rape victim in Amravati, Maharashtra, died after delayed compensation disbursement.
6. The Supreme Court directed its order to be communicated to all State High Courts and Judicial Academies.