True
justice in cases of crimes against children is achieved not merely by nabbing
the culprit or the severity of punishment meted out but by the support and
security provided to the victim, the Supreme Court has said.
A
bench of Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Aravind Kumar made the observation while
issuing a slew of directions relating to the appointment of support persons
under the POCSO Act.
A
"support person" means a person assigned by the Child Welfare
Committee to render assistance to the child through the process of
investigation and trial.
"In
crimes against children, it is not only the initiating horror or trauma that is
deeply scarring; that is aggravated by the lack of support and handholding in
the days that follow.
"In
such crimes, true justice is achieved not merely by nabbing the culprit and
bringing him to justice, or the severity of punishment meted out, but the
support, care, and security to the victim (or vulnerable witness), as provided
by the state and all its authorities in assuring a painless, as less an ordeal
an experience as is possible, during the entire process of investigation, and
trial," the bench said.
The
apex court said the support and care provided through state institutions and
offices is vital during this period.