Taking strong exception to the persistent menace of acid attacks, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed all states and Union Territories to submit detailed information on the number of such cases, their progress in courts, and the rehabilitation measures provided to survivors.
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices R Mahadevan and Joymalya Bagchi, passed the direction while hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by acid attack survivor and activist Shaheen Malik. The Court has granted four weeks to states and UTs to comply with the order.
The bench specifically asked for year-wise data on acid attack cases, including the number of cases in which charge sheets have been filed, how many have resulted in convictions or acquittals, and how many remain pending at the trial level. The states must also report on appeals pending before appellate courts, including High Courts.
Highlighting the need for a victim-centric approach, the Supreme Court also directed authorities to furnish case-specific details of each survivor—covering their educational background, employment and marital status, medical treatment received, and the expenses incurred or projected. The court stressed that this information is vital to assess the scope and effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts.
Further, the bench sought details of any cases involving forced ingestion of acid—a particularly brutal form of attack with long-term internal injuries. Observing that the current legal framework may be inadequate to fully address the gravity of such offences, the Chief Justice also asked the Central government to consider amending the law to impose “extraordinary punishment” on the perpetrators of acid attacks.
The PIL by Shaheen Malik raises concerns over gaps in the legal recognition of acid attack survivors, especially those who suffer internal injuries due to forced ingestion. Malik has urged the Court to expand the statutory definition of “persons with disabilities” to include survivors of such life-threatening attacks, thereby enabling them to access enhanced compensation, support, and long-term medical care.
Acid attacks continue to be a significant issue in India despite regulatory steps to restrict acid sales and ensure stringent punishment. While courts have issued a series of directives over the years on compensation, rehabilitation, and timely prosecution, implementation has remained inconsistent across states.
By seeking comprehensive information across legal, medical, and rehabilitative dimensions, the Supreme Court aims to evaluate systemic gaps and push for stronger enforcement and legislative reforms. The matter will now be heard after four weeks, upon receipt of responses from all concerned authorities.
