Criminal justice traditionally focus karta tha accused ki guilt/punishment pe. Slowly law ne recognise kiya ki victims ko bhi structured support chahiye – financially aur psychologically. Isi se victim compensation schemes ka concept develop hua.
In schemes ka source kabhi direct statute hota hai, kabhi government notifications, kabhi court directions. Broad idea:
- Serious offences – like sexual assault, acid attack, human trafficking, brutal violence – me State funded compensation available ho,
- Amounts injury severity, medical costs, disability, and long-term impact dekh kar decide hon,
- Victim ko har baar conviction ka wait na karna pade; kabhi-kabhi FIR and prima facie material hi enough ho.
Compensation criminal fine ya civil damages ko replace nahi karta; yeh ek additional support hota hai. Victims ya unke families kuch documentation ke sath claim file kar sakte hain tribunal/authority ke saamne. Legal aid and NGOs yaha helpful role play karte hain.
Awareness low rehne se bohot eligible log ye benefit le hi nahi pate. Isliye police stations, hospitals, and courts ko proactive information share karna chahiye jab bhi serious offence record ho.