On Thursday(19th Sept), The Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to pay Rs.5 lakh compensation each to two girls allegedly sexually abused at a fraudulent NCC camp in Krishnagiri. An additional Rs.1 lakh was ordered for 21 other victims of the same camp.
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CHENNAI: On Thursday(19th Sept), the Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to compensate two victim girls who were allegedly sexually abused at a fraudulent NCC camp held in a school in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district. The court ordered a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each of the two girls, along with Rs 1 lakh for 21 other victims who were reportedly abused at the same camp.
The first bench of the High Court, comprising Acting Chief Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice P B Balaji, issued these directives while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate A P Suryaprakasam. The PIL sought to transfer the investigation from the Krishnagiri police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), arguing that a central agency could ensure a more transparent and thorough probe into the matter.
During the court proceedings, Advocate Suryaprakasam stressed that the victims had only received interim compensation so far and deserved additional financial support given the severe impact the incident would have on their lives.
“They must bear this burden for the rest of their lives.”
– he stated, emphasizing the lasting trauma faced by the victims.
He urged the court to grant further compensation to ensure some level of justice and relief for the survivors.
Taking this into consideration, the bench ruled that Rs 5 lakh be paid to two of the primary victims, and Rs 1 lakh each to the remaining 21 girls. The compensation will be deposited in the Mahila Court in Krishnagiri district. The families of the victims will be required to file formal applications to claim the amount, ensuring a legal and systematic distribution of the compensation.
The court added-
“The Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority should assist the victims’ families in accessing the compensation amount.”
In a notable aspect of the ruling, the court indicated that it was open to the authorities to recover the compensation amount from the school management involved in the incident. The bench observed that the school bore responsibility for the abuse and should be held accountable.
“The authorities are free to take action against the school management to recover the compensation amount.”
-the bench clarified.
During the hearing, Advocate General P S Raman briefed the court on the state’s actions regarding the investigation. He confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been established to monitor the probe, with additional senior officers appointed.
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“An Inspector General (IG), a Superintendent of Police (SP), and two women Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) have been appointed to oversee the investigation.”
-Raman informed the bench.
He also provided a detailed update on the progress of the investigation.
“So far, 20 individuals have been arrested, and three FIRs have been registered,”
-he stated, noting that a comprehensive inquiry is underway.
“As many as 756 witnesses have been examined, and 161 statements have been recorded,”
-he added, indicating the scope and intensity of the ongoing investigation.
He further informed the court that 30 victims have been examined and seven accused individuals had been taken into police custody for further interrogation.
In addition to the investigation, the state government has taken concrete steps regarding the school where the alleged abuse occurred. Based on the recommendations of the Director of School Education, a Special Officer has been appointed to manage the affairs of the school. This ensures that the institution is being closely monitored and supervised to prevent any further incidents.
Furthermore, show cause notices have been issued to three other schools that were also under scrutiny in connection with the fake NCC camp incident. Advocate General Raman informed the court that after receiving the schools’ replies, the government would take appropriate action.
“After receiving their reply, orders will be passed,”
-he stated, adding that the TNSLA (Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority) report had been taken into consideration by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The Madras High Court has scheduled the next hearing of the case for September 30.
