In a recent interview with the BBC, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discussed the Post Office scandal, which has had a significant impact on many British Indians. The scandal involves a faulty IT system called Horizon, dating back to the late 1990s. Sunak confirmed that his justice minister is actively exploring ways to expedite the process of overturning wrongful convictions and providing compensations to the affected individuals.

Expressing his concern over the miscarriage of justice that has plagued the victims, Sunak emphasized the importance of ensuring they receive the justice they deserve. The government, as the formal owner of Post Office Ltd, has already paid out millions in compensation to many sub-postmasters affected by the scandal. However, there are still numerous individuals waiting for their rightful compensations, some for several years.

Sunak stated, "Obviously, it's something that happened in the '90s, but actually seeing it and hearing about it again just shows what an appalling miscarriage of justice it is for everyone affected. It's important that those people now get the justice they deserve, and that's what the compensation schemes are about."

He further highlighted that the government has already provided approximately GBP 150 million in compensation to thousands of people. To expedite the process, interim payments of up to GBP 600,000 are available. Sunak urged anyone affected by the scandal to come forward and take advantage of the three different compensation schemes.

The spotlight on this issue has been intensified by a hard-hitting ITV drama series called 'Mr Bates Vs The Post Office', which recently aired in the UK. Shortly after its broadcast, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that it is investigating the Post Office for potential fraud offenses.

The faulty accounting system known as Horizon has affected hundreds of sub-postmasters, with dozens more seeking legal assistance in light of recent developments. In April 2021, Seema Biswas and Vijay Parekh, a British Indian sub-postmaster duo, had their convictions quashed, along with 37 others, following a successful appeal at the Court of Appeal.

The ruling at the Royal Courts of Justice in London declared that the Post Office's failures in investigation and disclosure were so egregious that the prosecution of any of the 'Horizon cases' amounted to an affront to the conscience of the court. The judges criticized the Post Office for its knowledge of the system's defects and its failure to fulfill its duty of investigation.

This landmark ruling now allows the affected former postmasters to pursue civil cases for malicious prosecution. However, the journey to exoneration and compensation has been arduous for the victims, many of whom are still awaiting justice. The Post Office scandal has been labeled as one of the most significant miscarriages of justice in British history.

PM Rishi Sunak's commitment to addressing the plight of the victims and expediting compensation offers a glimmer of hope for those affected by this long-standing scandal. The government's ongoing efforts to rectify the injustice inflicted upon the sub-postmasters are crucial in rebuilding trust and restoring faith in the Post Office system.