KOCHI: The High Court has instructed the state government to offer compensation to victims of POCSO cases, similar to what is provided to female victims of sexual violence. To achieve this, it is necessary to establish a comprehensive compensation scheme or to amend the Kerala Victim Compensation Scheme. Justice Dr Kausar Edapagam has clarified in his ruling that the current system lacks provisions for this.

The Kerala Legal Services Authority dismissed the petition filed by the Alappuzha POCSO court against the order to provide Rs 50,000 in compensation to two children who fell victim to sexual violence.

The High Court stated that, in spite of the guidelines from the Supreme Court, the state has not yet formulated an appropriate compensation scheme for victims under POCSO. Although there was an amendment to the rule in 2021, the changes have been minimal. The list of covered crimes should encompass other forms of sexual abuse and ensure compensation for children. While waiting for the new system to be implemented, compensation will be disbursed according to the National Legal Services Authority Scheme of 2018.