Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court on Friday directed the state government to not differentiate acid attack victims and survivors based on their gender. While directing the government to compensate a male acid attack survivor, the High Court also observed that the government should not be biased and should include all individuals irrespective of their gender.
Court's Directive on Gender-Neutral Compensation
A division bench of Justices Rongon Mukhopadhyay and Pradeep Kumar Srivastava issued the directives while hearing an appeal filed by a male survivor of an acid attack, who sought enhancement in compensation from the government. The survivor challenged the provisions of the policy wherein compensation is only provided to female victims and survivors of acid attack. In the absence of a specific provision to provide compensation to victims and survivors of acid attack, those from other genders were rendered ineligible for compensation.
The bench observed, "The compensation policy of the government for victims of acid attacks cannot be gender specific. As a matter of fact, compensation itself ought not to be decided based on gender."
Enhanced Compensation and Medical Expenses
The survivor was already provided a compensation of Rs 3 lakh. On Friday, the High Court enhanced the amount to Rs 15 lakh. The High Court also ordered the state government to ensure proper treatment is provided to the survivor, and the government will bear the expenses of his treatment.
Demand for Stricter Acid Sale Regulations
In his petition, the survivor also pleaded that rules be framed by the government for the sale and procurement of acid. He claimed, "In absence of specific provisions, acid can be purchased in the market easily."
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About the Author
Chandrajit Mukherjee, a second-generation practicing Advocate in the Jharkhand High Court since 2005, has been reporting on legal beats for the print media since 2000. He has contributed and written news related to judgments and orders passed by the High Court as well as decisions taken by other judicial forums, including the legal services authority and Judicial Academy.
