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Court Pushes for Rape Survivor's Employment Beyond Compensation
30 Dec
Summary
- High Court explores engaging rape survivor in legal service programs.
- Survivor seeks compensation and employment assistance from the court.
- Rs 4 lakh compensation awarded, with part placed in fixed deposit.
The Bombay High Court has taken a significant step by directing the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority (MALSA) to investigate opportunities for engaging a rape survivor in legal services programs. This includes roles such as a para-legal volunteer, mediator, or Lok Adalat member, going beyond just financial compensation. The survivor had petitioned for both monetary relief and employment aid, underscoring that compensation is a legal obligation for the state.
The court ordered an interim compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the survivor, with Rs 1 lakh credited directly to her account and the remaining Rs 3 lakh placed in a fixed deposit. This decision came as the survivor detailed the severe trauma and hardship she faced after being allegedly assaulted in Mumbai by an individual met on Instagram. She highlighted her loss of employment and displacement as key factors.
The amicus curiae is preparing a comparative chart of victim compensation schemes and employment opportunities for survivors across states. The next hearing is scheduled for January 9, 2026, to further examine rehabilitation schemes and employment avenues. The survivor, originally from Ludhiana, was allegedly drugged and assaulted in Versova after being promised help securing employment.
