In a significant move addressing the alarming rise in acid attack incidents across India, the Supreme Court has issued a comprehensive directive to all states and Union territories. The apex court has demanded detailed, year-wise information on the number of such cases, their current status within the judicial system, and the rehabilitation measures implemented to support survivors.
Court's Detailed Data Requirements
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices R Mahadevan and Joymalya Bagchi, has set a strict four-week deadline for compliance. The states and UTs are required to provide meticulous records, including the number of cases where charge sheets have been filed in trial courts. Furthermore, they must disclose the exact count of cases that have been decided versus those still pending at the trial court level.
Focus on Victim Rehabilitation and Legal Appeals
The court's order extends beyond mere statistics, emphasizing the human aspect of these tragedies. States must submit brief particulars of each victim, covering academic qualifications, employment status, marital situation, and details of medical treatment received. This includes a breakdown of expenses already incurred and those anticipated for future care.
Additionally, the bench has instructed the submission of information regarding appeals filed in higher courts, including high courts, in acid attack cases. A critical component of the directive is the requirement to outline existing rehabilitation schemes specifically designed for acid attack survivors, ensuring that support systems are both documented and evaluated.
Addressing Forced Acid Ingestion and Legal Reforms
In a particularly grave note, the Supreme Court has asked for details on cases where victims were forced to ingest acid, highlighting the extreme brutality of some attacks. During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant urged the Central government to consider amending existing laws to ensure that convicts in such cases face "extraordinary" punishment, reflecting the severity of their crimes.
PIL by Acid Attack Survivor Shaheen Malik
The bench was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Shaheen Malik, an acid attack survivor herself. Malik's petition seeks to expand the legal definition of disabled persons to include victims who have suffered life-threatening damage to internal organs due to forced acid ingestion. This expansion aims to guarantee that such survivors receive adequate compensation, comprehensive medical care, and other essential reliefs under the law.
The Supreme Court's proactive stance underscores a growing judicial commitment to not only prosecute perpetrators but also to ensure robust support and justice for survivors, marking a pivotal step in India's fight against acid violence.
