CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the state government to pay an interim compensation of Rs 4 lakh to a victim of child sexual assault and impregnated by a 73-year-old neighbour, by taking into account the victim’s education.
Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy passed the orders while disposing of a petition by the victim’s mother seeking the compensation under the TN Child Victim Compensation Fund under the POCSO Act, 2012.
“The final compensation will be up to Rs 10 lakh, and because the child is now studying UG course in a government college, I am of the view Rs 4 lakh shall be released as interim compensation,” the judge said.
He directed the authorities of Social Welfare Department to pay the compensation amount within four weeks from the date of receipt of the copy of the order.
He also directed the prosecution to furnish a copy of this order and details of disbursement of the interim compensation to the special court for Pocso Act Cases in Villupuram so that the trial court can take this into consideration while awarding the final compensation.
The child was sexually assaulted when she was studying Class 11; consequently, she became pregnant but the foetus was aborted. Though the trial is being held at the special court for Pocso Act cases, the victim’s mother approached the HC for interim compensation.
The government advocate A Rajasekaran, informed the court the victim’s mother has not submitted any application with the trial court.
The judge said he agreed with the contention but considering the factual background he was of the view that the victim child is entitled for interim compensation.