Compensate rape survivors in 24hrs, expedite induction of more cops: Delhi HC

New Delhi: Expressing displeasure over the current procedure of paying compensation to rape victims, the Delhi High Court ordered that the money be disbursed within 24 hours of the award and directed the city government and state legal services authority to sit together and devise a plan.

The court also directed the Centre to expedite induction of over 14,000 additional personnel into Delhi police saying
"it is the crying need of the hour".

"We are not happy with the current procedure followed.

Two weeks is too long. Do it (disbursal of compensation) immediately. We want it done the same day or within 24 hours.

Tell us how. Don't be vague. Give us specifics," a bench of justices B D Ahmed and S Mridul said.

It directed that the "complete plan" be jointly prepared by Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) and Divisional Commissioner, Revenue Department, and be placed before it by August 13, the next date of hearing.

On the induction of additional 14,689 personnel into Delhi police, the bench said "do not hold back. It is the crying need of the hour. Expedite it. Previous government didn't do it. We expect this government to do something. This issue (of additional force) has arisen in several PILs over last 10 years but nothing has been done."

Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain assured the court that the matter of inducting more personnel is being taken up as a special case and while no firm commitment can be given with respect to the time it will take, it is being done expeditiously.

Observing that additional force of 14,689 personnel is "essential need of Delhi police to maintain safety and security", the court directed the Centre to inform it within three weeks about the progress made in this regard.

On the issue of setting up additional Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs), the bench directed Delhi government to
file an affidavit within three weeks indicating the expected time of commissioning of the labs.