SC Addresses Delays in Providing Relief to Acid Attack Survivors

• 11 Dec 2025

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

In the Shaheen Malik v. Union of India case 2025, the Supreme Court (SC) decided to examine why key directives on acid attack survivors (Laxmi v. Union of India case, 2015) have largely gone unimplemented, forcing survivors to struggle for both financial support and essential healthcare.

Summary 

• The Shaheen Malik case, 2025 exposes the persistent non-implementation of the 2015 Laxmi verdict, leaving acid attack survivors struggling for the mandated ₹3 lakh compensation and free critical healthcare. 
• Key unimplemented directives include a ban on over-the-counter acid sales, mandatory free treatment in all hospitals, and making acid-related offences cognizable and non-bailable. 
• Survivors face legal delays, inadequate compensation, denial of medical care, psychological trauma, and social stigma, creating major barriers to rehabilitation. 
• An effective ecosystem requires strict law enforcement, a national network of burn and rehabilitation centers, psychological and socio-economic support, and preventive measures like acid sale tracking and a manufacturer’s rehabilitation cess. 

What were the Key Directives Issued by the SC in the Laxmi v. Union of India Case 2015? 

• Victim Compensation: Acid attack survivors are entitled to a minimum compensation of Rs 3 lakh, with Rs 1 lakh payable within 15 days for immediate medical treatment and the remaining Rs 2 lakh within 2 months for aftercare and rehabilitation, including reconstructive surgeries. 
  • The SC also directed NALSA to gather data from State legal services authorities on compensation disbursed to acid attack victims. 
• Regulation of Sale of Acid: Over-the-counter sale of acid is prohibited unless sellers maintain a log with buyer details, buyers provide a government-issued photo ID, and the purpose of purchase is specified.  
  • Sales to persons under 18 are banned, and violations can attract a fine of up to Rs 50,000. 
• Implementation and Oversight: Chief Secretaries and Administrators must ensure all directives are followed and publicize rules regarding acid sale regulations and compensation schemes. 
• Free Treatment and Rehabilitation: Private hospitals must provide free treatment to acid attack victims, including medicines, bed, food, and rehabilitative care, and can be held liable for refusing treatment. 
• Legal Enforcement: Offences under the Poisons Act, 1919 to be made cognizable and non-bailable. SubDivisional Magistrate (SDM) is responsible for taking action against violations regarding acid sale and storage.

Judicial Pronouncement Related to Acid Attack Cases in India  

• Parivartan Kendra v. Union of India Case, 2015: The SC awarded Rs 13 lakhs to two acid attack victims and ordered the State of Bihar to ensure their treatment and rehabilitation. It also directed all States and Union Territories to include acid attack victims in the disability list. 
• Bengai Mandal alias Begai Mandal v. State of Bihar, 2010: Patna High Court upheld the decisions of the trial court, which had convicted the appellant and sentenced him to life imprisonment for throwing acid that led to her death.

What are the Key Barriers Faced by Acid Attack Survivors in Accessing Support and Justice? 

• Legal & Judicial Hurdles: Despite the Supreme Court mandate of Rs 3 lakh compensation, survivors often get only Rs 1 lakh, with delays or non-payment, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, while acid sale bans remain weakly enforced.  
  • They also face delayed justice from prolonged trials, low convictions, and re-victimization through insensitive court questioning. 
• Systemic & Institutional Failures: The absence of a centralized database for acid attack survivors hampers policy planning, while shelters, halfway homes, and dedicated crisis centers remain largely unavailable across India. 
• Medical & Physical Trauma: Despite Supreme Court orders, survivors often face exorbitant medical costs as free treatment is denied, compounded by limited access to specialized burn care and plastic surgeons, especially in rural areas. 
• Psychological & Social Stigma: Survivors often endure severe mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. They also face social ostracization, isolation, and in many cases, abandonment by family, leaving them without support. 

What Interventions are Needed to Build a Robust Rehabilitation Ecosystem for Acid Attack Survivors? 

• Legal & Compensation Framework: Implement automated, time-bound compensation (indexed to inflation) alongside fast-track courts for acid attack cases with in-camera proceedings and witness protection. 
• Medical Rehabilitation: Ensure swift enforcement of Supreme Court mandates for free medical care in all hospitals, along with establishment of a national network of specialized burn centers and lifetime coverage under Ayushman Bharat for survivors’ rehabilitation. 
• Preventive Measures: Implement stringent acid sale controls—including decoy operations and GST-based tracking for industrial acid—while mandating a rehabilitation cess on manufacturers and sellers to finance survivor support services. 
• Psychological Support: Support and fund survivor-led groups to reduce isolation and build resilience, and train mental health professionals on the unique trauma of acid attacks. 
• Socio-Economic Rehabilitation: Ensure economic empowerment through tailored vocational training, job quotas, scholarships, and accessible education, backed by financial support such as interest-free loans, seed funding for small businesses, and priority access to schemes like PMEGP. 

Conclusion 

The plight of acid attack survivors highlights a critical implementation gap between judicial mandates and ground reality. Building a survivor-centric, multi-dimensional rehabilitation ecosystem is imperative for justice, dignity, and effective prevention. 

Drishti Mains Question:

The Supreme Court’s directives in the Laxmi vs. Union of India case form a robust framework for acid attack survivors. Critically examine the systemic and institutional failures that have hindered their effective implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q. What compensation is mandated for acid attack survivors in India? 
The Supreme Court mandates Rs 3 lakh, with Rs 1 lakh within 15 days for immediate treatment and Rs 2 lakh within two months for rehabilitation. 

Q. Are private hospitals obliged to treat acid attack victims for free? 
Yes, hospitals must provide free treatment, medicines, bed, food, and rehabilitative care; refusal can attract legal liability. 

Q. What are the key regulations ordered by the SC on the sale of acid? 
The SC prohibited over-the-counter sale, mandated maintenance of a buyer log with photo ID, banned sales to minors (under 18), and prescribed penalties like fines up to Rs 50,000 for violations. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Mains

Q. We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace. (2014)