In an important development aimed at assisting acid attack survivors, the Delhi High Court has approved the 'Avlamban Fund Scheme, 2024', aimed at providing financial and rehabilitative assistance to survivors of acid attacks in the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD). The order, passed by the Bench comprising Hon'ble Chief Justice and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, seeks to address the dire needs of victims who face not only physical trauma but also severe financial hardships.
This decision follows the filing of a bail application in a case registered under FIR No. 568/2022, where the petitioner-accused is alleged to have committed horrific crimes, including the rape and forcible ingestion of toilet cleaner by a child victim. The child underwent multiple surgeries, including a tracheostomy, and the family faced significant financial difficulties in providing for her medical needs. The Court noted the inadequacy of the compensation provided so far, prompting the need for a more comprehensive and structured support system.
"The compensatory needs of the victims have been duly recognised and redressed under the Delhi Victim Compensation Scheme, 2018," the Court remarked, emphasizing the urgent need for a better financial support mechanism.
The newly introduced scheme provides a permanent corpus fund of Rs. 10 crores, donated by the Government of Delhi, to meet the rehabilitative and ancillary needs of acid attack victims. The fund is designed to cover costs for medical treatments such as reconstructive surgeries, rehabilitation, and psychological counseling, alongside other measures like vocational training and education, ensuring that the victims are supported both physically and socially.
Importantly, the Avlamban Fund Scheme ensures that financial assistance can be accessed for the procurement of critical medical treatments and aftercare, as well as for educational and vocational rehabilitation. In cases where victims require additional rehabilitative measures, the Court may approve them based on the victim's needs.
The Scheme will be operated by the Principal District & Sessions Judge (HQ) and is backed by a comprehensive process for disbursal of funds, with a focus on efficiency and transparency. A key feature of the scheme is the involvement of Nodal Officers in hospitals, who will facilitate the process and ensure the timely delivery of support.
For victims to benefit from the Scheme, the process includes an application to the concerned court, verification of medical records, and a formal recommendation for financial aid. "The Concerned Court shall forward the order for award of specified amount of compensation to the Principal District and Sessions Judge (HQ) who shall then get the recommended amount released from the Avlamban Fund by direct transfer into the bank account of the Victim," the Court noted.
The Scheme is expected to commence immediately, with the funds being directly transferred into the victims' accounts, subject to the monetary ceiling set out in the scheme.
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