Bombay HC asks about Manodhairya’s scope

Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Friday sought clarification from the state government, asking whether the compensation of Rs 10 lakh granted to rape/acid attack survivors under the Manodhairya scheme would be applicable retrospectively or prospectively.

A division bench of Justice R.M.Sawant and Justice Sadhana Jadhav was hearing a PIL, in which the petitioner also sought reimbursement of the entire medical expenses borne by the rape victim from the state. The state government on Friday informed the court that it has increased the compensation from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

Special public prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar informed the court that on August 1 the state government has decided to increase compensation amount given under the Manodhairya Scheme from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Manodhairya scheme was formed in 2013 to the help the acid and rape victims.

The petitioner’s lawyer brought to the notice of the court that there is no clarity in the state’s GR on whether the scheme would be implemented prospectively or retrospectively. She further informed the court that all states should bear the medical expenses of victims.

The court then told petitioner that deciding the compensation amount is the decision of the state government. The court added that if any one needs more than Rs 10 lakh for the treatment, then he or she can approach the high court. The court will think about the matter, but it can’t be applicable in all the case. The court asked the state to file an affidavit in two weeks.