Supreme Court Asks Centre to Clarify Stand on Banning Retail Acid Sales
SC seeks Centre's response on banning retail acid sales, citing obsolete 2013 guidelines and rising concerns over attacks on women.
The Supreme Court on Monday sought the Union government's response to a plea demanding a complete ban on the retail sale of acid, citing persistent concerns over its use in crimes against women. A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that existing regulations have failed to curb easy availability of the corrosive substance.
Senior advocate Saurabh Kirpal, appearing for petitioners including acid-attack survivor and activist Shaheen Malik, argued that acid remains freely available in shops despite the apex court's 2013 directions on regulating its sale. As an alternative to a full ban, the petitioners urged the court to direct the Centre to frame a strict regulatory scheme for the market.
The court recorded that the 2013 guidelines have "more or less become obsolete" and are not being followed. It asked the Union government to explain why a complete ban should not be imposed, or alternatively, whether sales should continue under stringent oversight.
In a related direction, the Bench ordered the Centre, States, and Union Territories to formulate rehabilitation and compensation measures for acid-attack victims within six weeks. It also asked the Centre to consider drafting a model scheme and extending assistance to States for effective implementation.
Additionally, the court sought updated data from States and Union Territories on the number of acid-attack cases, chargesheets filed, and the pendency of such cases.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, had earlier informed the court in July that amendments to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, now extend benefits to victims suffering internal injuries from forced ingestion of acid.