Kerala High Court Issues Ultimatum Over Unpaid Victim Compensation Funds
The Kerala High Court has delivered a sharp warning to the state government, stating that if approximately Rs 47 crore in pending victim compensation—including crucial funds for sexual assault survivors—is not disbursed within one week, the court will pass orders to attach the state government's treasury accounts to cover the due amount. This dramatic development occurred during a hearing on Monday, highlighting the court's growing impatience with administrative delays in justice delivery.
Court Demands Personal Appearance of Finance Secretary
In a significant escalation, the division bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar directed the state's Finance Secretary to be personally present before the court on March 23. The official must submit an affidavit detailing the reasons for the non-release of the pending compensation and mediators' fees. This directive came during the hearing of a suo motu petition initiated by the High Court itself, addressing the systemic failure in disbursing compensation to victims, particularly sexual assault survivors, and paying mediation fees.
The court had previously summoned the Home Secretary, but during Monday's virtual appearance, Home Secretary Biswanath Sinha clarified that while his department regulates, administers, and monitors the victim compensation scheme, it lacks the authority to grant financial sanctions. Consequently, the bench amended its order to focus on the Finance Secretary, who holds the purse strings.
Background of Broken Promises and Systemic Issues
This is not the first time the court has intervened. In January 2026, the state government assured the High Court that issues regarding the release of mediators' fees and victim compensation would be addressed urgently. However, the continued non-compliance has now led to the threat of treasury attachment.
The suo motu proceedings were initiated in 2025 after the court identified multiple critical issues plaguing mediation centers across Kerala. These include:
- The absence of permanent venues for conducting mediation sessions.
- Inability to ensure privacy for parties, hindering open communication.
- Lack of adequate physical and digital infrastructure.
- Failure to conduct online mediation due to poor internet connectivity or missing video-link facilities.
- A severe shortage of permanent staff to manage operations effectively.
These systemic failures have compounded the delay in compensating victims, many of whom are survivors of traumatic crimes like sexual assault, awaiting financial support for rehabilitation and justice.
Implications of the Court's Stern Warning
The High Court's threat to attach state treasury accounts is an extraordinary measure, underscoring the gravity of the situation. It signals the judiciary's determination to hold the executive accountable for lapses in implementing victim-centric schemes. The pending Rs 47 crore represents not just a financial obligation but a moral imperative to support vulnerable individuals in their recovery.
As the March 23 deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Finance Secretary's response and whether the state government will finally release the funds to avoid unprecedented legal action against its own treasury.
