IN RE: ALARMING RISE IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED CHILD RAPE INCIDENTS Vs. IN RE: ALARMING RISE IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED CHILD RAPE INCIDENTS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Despite our order dated 16th December, 2019, the States of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, NCT of Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab and Rajasthan have not filed their affidavits so for. On behalf of the State of Punjab, it is stated that the State does not intend to file any further affidavit and relies on the affidavit filed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. As far as other States are concerned, as prayed, ten days time is granted to file the affidavit. In case the same is not filed on or before 18th March, 2020, the Chief Secretary(s) of the concerned State(s) shall remain present on the next date of hearing.

(2.) List the matter on 24th March, 2020.

(3.) In the meantime, learned amicus curiae to prepare a comparative chart On the next date of hearing, we shall consider the issue of framing a national scheme for payment of compensation to victims of offences under the POCSO Act. For this purpose, we request the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India to remain present in Court to assist us with regard to the formulation of scheme for payment of compensation to the victims.