Rs 4 Lakhs for child assaulted by 73-year-old man in POCSO case: Madras HC

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the state administration 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.

Key points

• The child was sexually assaulted when she was studying Class 11; consequently, she became pregnant but the foetus was aborted.
• 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.
• The administration advocate A Rajasekaran, informed the court the victim's mother has not submitted any application with the trial court.

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 remarked.

He additionally 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.

For context, 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.

In practice, the administration advocate A Rajasekaran, informed the court the victim's mother has not submitted any application with the trial court.

For context, the judge remarked he agreed with the contention but considering the factual background he was of the view that the victim child is entitled for interim compensation.

Taken together, the developments around rs 4 Lakhs for child assaulted by 73-year-old man in POCSO case: point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.