Overview The Supreme Court has addressed the critical issue of inadequate victim compensation, prompted by the tragic death of a rape survivor who waited years for her rightful compensation. The Court observed a significant lack of awareness among trial judges regarding their duty to order compensation, leading to victims having to independently seek redressal. This intervention underscores the importance of restorative justice and the state's responsibility to support victims of crime. Key Developments Supreme Court Intervention: The Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the issue, directing Special/Sessions Courts to issue appropriate directions regarding victim compensation. Legislative Framework: Section 396 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (replacing Section 357A of the Code of Criminal Procedure ) mandates state governments to prepare Victim Compensation Schemes. Financial Support: States are supported by the Central Victim Compensation Fund to ensure uniformity and avoid disparity, particularly in cases of rape, acid attacks, and human trafficking. Implementation: The State and District Legal Services Authorities are responsible for implementing these schemes. Court Empowerment: Trial courts are empowered to recommend compensation even if the accused is discharged or acquitted. The Case of the Amravati Victim The petition highlighted the case of a 25-year-old intellectually-disabled rape victim from Khadaka village in Amravati district of Maharashtra , who was brutally raped in September 2020 . Despite the offender's conviction and a court order for compensation, the victim faced significant delays in receiving the funds. The victim's mother, her sole caregiver, died in May 2024 after struggling to secure the compensation. The victim herself died in August 2025 , with only partial compensation disbursed. Supreme Court Directives The Supreme Court directed that its order be communicated to all State High Courts for dissemination to Special and Sessions Judges. The order copy was also directed to be sent to the Directors of State Judicial Academies for inclusion in their training modules to raise awareness. UPSC Relevance This issue is highly relevant to the UPSC syllabus, particularly GS2 (Government Policies and Interventions, Social Justice) and GS3 (Issues Relating to Vulnerable Sections of the Society) . It highlights the importance of effective implementation of laws and policies aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring access to justice. Key Terms Victim Compensation Scheme: A scheme mandated by law to provide financial assistance to victims of crime for rehabilitation. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023: The new criminal procedure code that replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure. Central Victim Compensation Fund: A fund established by the Union government to support state-level victim compensation schemes. State Legal Services Authority (SLSA): A state-level body responsible for implementing legal aid and victim compensation schemes. District Legal Services Authority (DLSA): A district-level body responsible for implementing legal aid and victim compensation schemes. POCSO Act: The Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Act. Exam Perspective This topic can be approached from various angles in the UPSC exam: Prelims: Questions can be framed on the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, the role of the Central Victim Compensation Fund, and the functions of SLSAs and DLSAs. Mains: Questions can focus on the effectiveness of victim compensation schemes, the challenges in implementation, and the role of the judiciary in ensuring justice for victims. Essay: Themes related to justice for vulnerable sections, the role of the state in ensuring social justice, and the importance of restorative justice can be explored.