The Supreme Court has taken a tough stance on the increasing incidents of acid attacks. Expressing concern over the delay in getting justice to the victims, the court has said that these cases should not be seen as ordinary crimes. It is necessary to hear them expeditiously and give strict punishment to the culprit. The court said that if necessary, the property of the convict should be auctioned and compensation should be given to the victim.
Acid victim’s petition
The petition which is being heard by the Supreme Court has been filed by acid attack victim Shaheen Malik. Shaheen has cited the slow pace of acid attack cases. He has also discussed the cases of acid administration in his petition. It has been said in the petition that the law does not give the status of disabled to those who are given acid to drink. In the last hearing, the court had sought an answer from the central government on this. Besides, information about the pending cases in their state was also sought from all the High Courts.
‘The guilty are not entitled to any concession’
A bench headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice (CJI) Surya Kant heard the case on Tuesday (January 27, 2026). The Chief Justice said that no leniency should be shown to the culprit in such a heinous crime. There is no room for reformative principles while punishing them.
need for special law
During the hearing, the court told the central government that it should consider making a new law to deal with acid attack cases. The Chief Justice said that just as a special law was made in the case of dowry death, the same needs to be done in this case. Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave, appearing for the Central Government, said that she will take instructions on this and inform the court.
‘Get compensation by selling the property’
The bench suggested that if a convict is not able to pay compensation to the victim, his properties should be confiscated and auctioned. The amount received from this should be used for the treatment and rehabilitation of the victim. The Chief Justice said that the punishment for those who commit acid attacks should be harsh and painful. This will send a strong message to the society.
Details sought from states
The Supreme Court has asked all the states and union territories to provide detailed information about cases related to acid attacks. Under this, states will have to provide the following information:
- Annual details of acid attack cases and charge sheets filed in them
- Status of cases pending in the court. Details of decided cases also
- Information on educational qualification, employment status and marital status of each victim.
- Expenditure on treatment and government scheme of rehabilitation
The Supreme Court has asked the states to file their reply in four weeks. The next hearing of the case will be in the month of March.
Also read: Telangana: ‘Kaal’ orgy in Telangana, 9 months pregnant doctor dies, 5 teachers are fighting the battle of life, know the matter
