Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 4: The Supreme Court of India on Monday expressed serious concern over the “alarming increase” in acid attack cases and suggested that the Centre consider enhancing punishment for such offences, including shifting the burden of proof onto the accused.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the existing punishment has failed to act as a deterrent, noting a rise in “barbaric and brutal” attacks since 2013.

The court also directed that, pending a formal amendment, victims who are forcibly made to consume acid or suffer internal injuries without visible disfigurement be included under the ambit of acid attack survivors as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. It said this clarification would be deemed effective from the inception of the Act and urged the concerned ministry to formally notify the change.

The observations came while hearing a public interest litigation filed by acid attack survivor Shaheen Malik, who sought recognition of such victims as persons with disabilities to enable access to welfare schemes.

During the hearing, the bench questioned whether harsher punishment was necessary and suggested measures such as attaching the assets of convicted persons to compensate victims. It also stressed the need for stricter regulation on the sale of acid.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the government has already proposed amendments to the 2016 Act to address the issue.

The court posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks. Earlier, it had directed all high courts to fix timelines for trial courts to ensure speedy disposal of acid attack cases and had termed delays in such trials a “mockery of the system.”

The plea also seeks expansion of the definition of disability to cover victims who suffer life-threatening internal injuries due to forced ingestion of acid, ensuring adequate compensation, medical care, and rehabilitation support.