IN RE Vs. STATE OF ASSAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Issue taken up in this PIL is to operationalise the welfare measure under Section 357 A CrPC to compensate victims of crime. In response to the notice issued, reply has been filed on behalf of the State of Assam stating that the State has already notified Assam Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012 on 18.10.2012. A sum of Rs.72 lakhs has been sanctioned and disbursed to the Secretary, State Legal Services Authority for releasing the amount to 21 District Legal Services Authorities at the rate of Rs.3 lakhs each and Rs. 9 lakhs has been placed at the disposal of the State Legal Services Authority. A further sum of Rs.3.88 crores has been budgeted for the year 2013 -14.

(3.) Learned counsel for the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland and seek further time to file response. As far as the State of Mizoram is concerned, a scheme has been framed but the amount of compensation may need to be revised.

(3.) In respect of the State of Assam also it is pointed out by learned Amicus that the amount of compensation is not adequate and is not comparable to schemes of other States, particularly Delhi and Gujrat. Learned counsel for the State of Assam may take instructions in this regard.