District Legal Services Authority in service of crime victims

Tarn Taran: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) is doing a yeoman’s work for crime victims. There were reports that in case of mob attack and accidents, the victim were deprived of compensation and the Authority is working to ensure no such thing happens. The DLSA was making the public aware that in case the accused is not identified; even then the victims are eligible to claim compensation as there are committees at the district and state level to listen to the victims. Pratima Arora, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, DLSA, said that under the guidance of Priya Sood, District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson, DLSA, people were awakening to their rights to get compensation even in cases where the accused had not been identified.

Pratima Arora said that the DLSA is working with a missionary spirit to help the general public and the victims. The judge said even the dependents of victims were eligible for compensation in case of death like in road accidents. Lawyers and para legal volunteers (PLV) are part of the DLSA who inform the public about a social cause. There was a provision that victims of injuries, acid attack, rape, atrocities and other categories come under the facility. Those concerned and the dependents of victims may come to claim their rights against the crime within six months but in genuine cases, the time limit may be overlooked by the DLSA or the State Legal Services Authority (SLSA).