Supreme Court slams ‘mockery’ of system: Shocked by forced acid drinking, orders strict action

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – The Supreme Court on Thursday took a strong stance on the shortcomings of the law in acid attack cases, saying the current system fails to provide justice to victims. The court was both moved and shocked when an acid attack survivor appeared in person and explained that in many cases across the country, victims are forced to drink acid, but the current law makes no mention of compensation or special provisions for such cases.

Victim exposes legal loopholes

In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the victim urged the court to include acid-forced cases under the ambit of the acid attack law, as the current law only recognizes cases of "acid throwing." The victim explained that she was brutally attacked in 2009, but the trial has not yet been completed. Hearing this, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant sternly remarked, "This is a mockery of the system! If such cases cannot be resolved in the national capital itself, what will the situation be across the country?"

The petition argues that acid attack victims should be included under the Acid Attack Compensation Act to provide them with access to treatment, rehabilitation, and compensation. Acid ingestion severely damages internal organs, causing lifelong pain and health problems. However, the current law does not recognize such cases.

The Supreme Court has asked the central government to consider legislation that would include acid attack victims under the existing acid attack compensation law. The court stated that such victims should have the right to treatment, rehabilitation, and compensation. It also directed the central government to submit a detailed report on the status of acid attack cases across the country.

It's worth noting that while there are laws in India regarding acid attacks, they are limited to cases where acid is thrown. Acid victims receive neither full treatment nor compensation.