Victim Compensation Scheme: SC pulls up States/UTs for not filing affidavits

The Supreme Court today came down heavily on State Governments and Union Territories for their failure to submit affidavits disclosing details on the Victim Compensation Scheme for rape victims on time..The criticism came from a Bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta while hearing the petition filed by advocate Nipun Saxena, which seeks a ban on the two-finger test for rape victms. The plea also stresses on the importance of enhancing security for women in public places..The Court took note of the lackadaisical attitude of twenty-four States/Union Territories that are yet to submit an affidavit indicating the amount received by them under the Nirbhaya Fund set up for rape victims..The Bench observed,.“In spite of all talks, discussions and intents expressed about gender justice and safety of women, we find that there are 24 States / UTs that have not even bothered to file an affidavit.”.The apex court had, on January 9, directed State Governments and Union Territories to file the affidavits revealing the amount received by each State Government/UT under the Nirbhaya Fund towards victim compensation, the amount disbursed from the Fund, and the number of victims of sexual assault, within four weeks..Today, the irked Bench proceeded to list out the twenty States and four Union Territories that are yet to submit their affidavits. These include:.Andhra PradeshArunachal PradeshAssamChhattisgarhGoaHaryanaHimachal PradeshJammu & KashmirKeralaMaharashtraManipurMeghalayaMizoramRajasthanTamil NaduTelanganaTripuraUttar PradeshUttarakhandWest BengalDadra and Nagar HaveliDaman and DiuDelhiLakshadweep.The Bench has now given another chance to the above States and UTs to submit their affidavits within four weeks..“The affidavits be now filed by these State Governments / UTs within four weeks from today, if they are at all interested in looking after the welfare of women in their States/UTs”.The matter will now be heard on March 27..Read order: