The legal team of the Delhi Justice Hub worked tirelessly on behalf of Annie,* a trafficking survivor who had endured unspeakable horrors, to secure a court judgment for state-mandated victim compensation. Despite being awarded interim compensation in 2023, the actual disbursement of funds was delayed due to the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) demanding Annie’s physical presence in Delhi for biometrics, a request deemed unjust given her traumatic past. Even after persistent efforts from Annie’s legal representatives, the process remained stagnant.
The Justice Hub team intervened by filing a court petition requesting to expedite the compensation process without necessitating Annie’s travel to Delhi. Five months later, after multiple hearings and correspondence with the authorities, the DLSA finally agreed to disburse the compensation without requiring biometrics.
This result not only brought immediate relief to Annie in the amount of USD 3,143 but also led to a broader court directive that will benefit future survivors by allowing them to receive compensation without the burden of travel. The judge emphasized that the DLSA should consider the facts and circumstances of each case before imposing the requirement of a victim’s physical presence as a condition to compensation.
This is an important precedent that is expected to facilitate the compensation process for trafficking survivors, underscoring the importance of the Justice Hub’s efforts to engage in legal advocacy that impacts policy changes to improve justice outcomes.
*Name changed to protect identity
