SLSA Reaffirms Commitment to Victim Rehabilitation and Justice
The Voice of Chandigarh
Demonstrating its strong impact, the State Legal Services Authority (SLSA), UT Chandigarh has distributed ₹5.56 crore as compensation to victims across various categories over the past five years. During the financial year 2025–26, ₹77.50 lakh was disbursed to 16 victims under different categories. This timely assistance underscores SLSA’s unwavering commitment to victim rehabilitation and justice.
This initiative is carried out under the esteemed guidance of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vikram Nath, Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman of NALSA, New Delhi, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and Patron-in-Chief of SLSA, Chandigarh.
The Victim Compensation Scheme, 2018 of the Union Territory of Chandigarh stands as a compassionate lifeline for victims of crime, providing not only financial relief but also paving the way for dignity, support, and rehabilitation.
Notified under Section 357A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (now aligned with the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita), the scheme was established in accordance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India to ensure prompt and meaningful assistance to those affected by serious crimes.
This victim-centric initiative provides comprehensive support to victims and their dependents in cases such as sexual assault, rape, acid attacks, offences under the POCSO Act, mob violence/lynching, grievous injuries, burn injuries, death, and other serious crimes.
Key features of the scheme include the establishment of a dedicated Victim Compensation Fund financed through Government of India grants, CSR contributions, public donations, and court-imposed fines; eligibility for interim relief to meet immediate medical, emergency, and rehabilitation needs; compensation ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh depending on the nature and severity of injury/loss as per the scheme schedule; special fast-track provisions for acid attack victims (₹1 lakh immediate interim relief within 15 days along with additional compensation up to ₹10 lakh); direct payment through bank accounts; protective measures (such as fixed deposits) to ensure long-term rehabilitation of minors, orphans, and vulnerable victims; and the right to appeal if the victim is dissatisfied with the awarded amount.
Compensation limits (as per the scheme and guidelines):
• Death, rape, and unnatural sexual assault: ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh
• Injury cases (grievous/minor): ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh
• Burn injuries: ₹2 lakh to ₹8 lakh
• Acid attack cases: ₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh (with additional provisions for ongoing medical/rehabilitation needs)
• Rehabilitation of human trafficking victims: up to ₹10 lakh
These amounts are in alignment with the broader framework of the NALSA Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault/Other Crimes, 2018, ensuring that Chandigarh’s scheme remains progressive and supportive.
Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Chandigarh Administration, has notified the Chandigarh Administration Pension Rules, 1999 for persons with disabilities vide notification dated 18.02.2000. Further, through a notification dated 17.02.2026 (effective from 01.04.2026), a provision has been made to provide financial assistance of ₹10,000 per month to every acid attack victim.
The Member Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (SLSA), UT Chandigarh, appeals to citizens, institutions, NGOs, community leaders, and the media to actively participate in spreading awareness about this important scheme. Many eligible victims and their families remain unaware of their rights—your voice can help bridge this gap and ensure that no one suffers in silence. Victims or their dependents may contact the District Legal Services Authority for assistance in applying.
Timely intervention ensures immediate relief, medical care, and an opportunity to rebuild life with dignity.
