Abstract

Sexual violence remains one of the most serious violations of human rights and personal dignity. In India, rape is not only a criminal offense but also a profound social issue that leaves long-lasting psychological, physical, and economic consequences for victims. Recognizing the need to support survivors, the Indian legal system has introduced several victim-centric provisions, particularly compensation mechanisms aimed at providing financial assistance and facilitating rehabilitation. Victim compensation serves as an important component of restorative justice, seeking to acknowledge the suffering of victims and help them rebuild their lives. The legal framework for compensation to rape victims in India primarily operates through provisions under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), especially Sections 357 and 357A, along with the Victim Compensation Schemes implemented by State Legal Services Authorities. These provisions empower courts to award compensation to victims and mandate the establishment of state-funded schemes to ensure financial support even when the offender is not identified or convicted. In addition, the Supreme Court and various High Courts have played a crucial role in strengthening these provisions through progressive judicial interpretations and guidelines. Despite the existence of these legal mechanisms, the practical implementation of compensation policies remains inconsistent across states. Several challenges such as lack of awareness among victims, bureaucratic delays, inadequate compensation amounts, and social stigma continue to hinder effective access to justice. A socio-legal analysis is therefore necessary to understand how these policies function in practice and how they impact survivors’ recovery and social reintegration. This study examines the legal provisions, policy framework, and implementation of victim compensation schemes in rape cases in India. It also evaluates the social and psychological significance of compensation for survivors and identifies the gaps between law and practice. The research aims to highlight the importance of strengthening institutional mechanisms, improving awareness, and ensuring timely and adequate compensation to promote justice and dignity for victims of sexual violence.