Keeping an acid attack case pending for 16 years is a disgrace to the nation : Supreme Court

Details of all such pending cases were sought from the High Courts

New Delhi – A case of an acid attack registered in 2009 has been pending in the Rohini Court of Delhi. Calling this delay a “shameful situation for the nation,” the Supreme Court has directed all High Courts across the country to submit details of similar pending cases within 4 weeks. The Chief Justice also discussed the need to set up special courts to ensure the speedy disposal of such matters.

Directions to the Central government

The Court told the Centre that it must amend the law — either through Parliament or an ordinance — so that survivors of acid attacks are included within the definition of “persons with disabilities,” enabling them to receive benefits under welfare schemes.

No sympathy should be shown towards such an accused – Chief Justice

The matter was heard before the bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant. During the hearing, survivor Shaheen Malik stated, “I was forcefully made to ingest acid. I survive only with the help of an artificial feeding tube.”

The Chief Justice noted that while cases of acid being thrown are known, cases of acid being forced to drink are hardly ever seen. Given the seriousness and impact of such crimes, he said the trial must be conducted in a special court, adding that “there should be absolutely no sympathy for such an accused.”

844 acid-attack cases are pending across the country

According to National Crime Records Bureau data, 844 cases related to acid attacks are pending in various courts as of 2023. The number of such attacks has been steadily increasing since 2021. A 2024 report from Florida International University states that India records 250–300 acid attack cases every year, but the actual number could exceed 1,000.