New Delhi, Jan 27: The Supreme Court has ordered all states and Union territories to furnish detailed reports on acid attack cases, including the legal status of trials and the specific welfare measures provided to survivors. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant noted the gravity of these crimes on Tuesday, requiring a year-wise breakdown of incidents and the current standing of charge sheets in trial courts.
The directive seeks to map the entire life cycle of these cases, from the initial filing to the number of appeals currently pending in various High Courts. Beyond the legal proceedings, the bench has asked for personal particulars regarding each survivor’s academic background, employment status, and the financial burden of their medical treatments.
“The states must provide details about the rehabilitation scheme for such victims,” the bench stated, emphasizing the need for structured support systems.
Chief Justice Surya Kant addressed the Central government during the proceedings, suggesting a review of existing statutes. The CJI mentioned that the Centre should mull changes in the law to ensure convicts are awarded “extraordinary” punishment for indulging in acid attacks.
The court was acting on a public interest litigation filed by Shaheen Malik, an acid attack survivor. Malik’s petition specifically advocates for a broader legal definition of disabled persons to include those who have suffered internal organ damage, particularly in cases where victims were forced to ingest acid.
The bench, which also included Justices R Mahadevan and Joymalya Bagchi, has given the states and Union territories a four-week deadline to submit the requested information.
