The Case for Compensating Those Who Are Acquitted After Long Periods of Incarceration – By Madan B. Lokur

When reparations are considered, we shouldn’t overlook the impact of wrongful arrest and imprisonment manifesting as mental trauma in the acquitted and their families.

The question that I have been asked to address is: should there be a system of compensation and reparation for those who are acquitted after long periods of incarceration? The question can be answered in one word – yes, there should be such a system. But I would like to go beyond the topic; It’s not only a question of compensation for being in jail and getting acquitted, there are several other events and incidents in our criminal justice system for which compensation must be given….

Let’s look at the larger picture. Where are we heading? This is the question. What is the remedy? Compensation is one, accountability is another. Mental health is equally important, if not more important because grave injustice will remain with the victim for the rest of his or her life. This will have an irreversible impact on the lives of their family and their own children. They will remember it forever. It is indeed time to wake up.

https://thewire.in/rights/compensation-acquittal-long-periods-of-incarceration-justice-madan-lokur