The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh administration to decide on the compensation claim of a rape survivor within one month, expressing strong disapproval over authorities withholding statutory financial relief for more than a year.
A division bench comprising Justice Alok Mathur and Justice Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary ruled on October 5 that should the District Steering Committee find the claimant entitled to compensation, the admissible funds must be disbursed within 10 working days of that determination. The judges also stated that the officials responsible for the prolonged delay demonstrated reprehensible inaction and a laissez-faire approach, warranting the imposition of costs and strict accountability.
Holding Officials Accountable For Delay
The ruling came during the hearing of a writ petition filed by the survivor, who reported that she had not received any financial assistance under the Uttar Pradesh Rani Lakshmi Bai Mahila Samman Kosh Rules, 2015.
Criticising the apathy of the police and administrative authorities mandated to disburse funds under the state welfare policy, the high court noted that accountability must be fastened onto the personnel responsible for what it termed egregious procrastination.
Aggravation Of Trauma And Legal Burdens
Emphasising the underlying objective of the relief framework, the bench observed that financial compensation in cases of heinous sexual violence is intended to provide immediate succour and address urgent expenditures associated with medical treatment.
The court pointed out that victims endure intense physical suffering alongside severe psychological trauma. Withholding timely financial aid under a beneficial government measure exacerbates their distress, the judges observed, adding that forcing a survivor to incur additional legal expenses by approaching the high court simply to secure statutory dues only compounds the ordeal.
Statutory Norms Under Rani Lakshmi Bai Scheme
According to the submissions made by the petitioner’s counsel, the crime occurred on May 17, 2025, and a first information report was lodged on the same day. Investigating authorities subsequently filed a chargesheet on July 17, 2025.
Under the 2015 state rules, an eligible victim is entitled to compensation disbursed in two separate tranches. The initial instalment of Rs 1 lakh must be released within 15 days of the submission of the chargesheet, followed by the remaining balance within one month. The high court was informed that despite these statutory timelines, the survivor had not been provided any portion of the sanctioned relief prior to approaching the court.
