Madhya Pradesh High Court: No Compensation Under SC/ST Act When Victims Turn Hostile and Settle With Accused

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has held that victims of caste-based atrocities cannot claim compensation under the SC/ST Act if they turn hostile during trial or amicably settle with the accused.

The bench emphasized that the 1989 Act aims to deter atrocities by ensuring offenders are prosecuted, and victims are supported throughout the legal process. 

The court further noted that the compensation scheme presupposes the victim's cooperation in prosecuting the offense, not their subsequent reconciliation with the perpetrator.

The court noted that in the present case, the prosecution against the accused has ended in their acquittal on account of the petitioner not supporting the prosecution's case.

[Victim X v. State of Madhya Pradesh]