The Supreme Court has provided guidance for acid attack survivors facing delays in receiving compensation, instructing them to approach their respective state legal services authorities (SLSAs). This directive was issued during a hearing on Thursday, where a bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar addressed concerns raised by the Mumbai-based NGO, Acid Survivors Sahas Foundation.
The NGO highlighted the challenges survivors face in obtaining timely compensation from authorities, particularly in Maharashtra. In response, Chief Justice Khanna advised, “Just get in touch with the state legal services authorities,” ensuring that victims have a clear recourse in instances of delayed payments.
To improve accountability and oversight, the SLSAs have been ordered to maintain a detailed chart tracking the dates when compensation was requested by survivors or their families, and when it was actually disbursed. The Supreme Court also noted that any delays in these payments would be reported back to them for further action.
The hearing was part of a broader consideration of a 2023 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by the NGO, which seeks to enforce the Supreme Court’s 2014 directives from the landmark Laxmi v. Union of India case. These directives include provisions for acid attack survivors to receive free medical treatment in both public and private hospitals and a minimum compensation of Rs 3 lakh from state governments for aftercare and rehabilitation.
Advocate Shashank Tripathi, representing the NGO, pointed out ongoing issues despite previous court orders aimed at regulating acid sales, penalizing perpetrators, and ensuring comprehensive medical, psychological, and social rehabilitation for survivors. The NGO’s plea also requests an increase in the compensation amount and proposes that cases involving acid attacks be expedited through fast-track courts.
The plea further criticizes the slow disbursement of the mandated compensation, noting that many survivors have yet to receive the adequate financial support promised under the Victim Compensation Scheme 2016, which includes an additional Rs 1 lakh on top of the base Rs 3 lakh.
Systemic inefficiencies and bureaucratic hurdles continue to obstruct survivors’ access to benefits, with some private hospitals reportedly demanding advance payments for emergency care despite court orders. The high costs associated with reconstructive surgeries also remain a significant barrier for many survivors, adding to their financial and emotional strain.
