The Supreme Court has shown serious concern regarding the backlog of acid attack cases nationwide and has called for more rigorous actions, such as seizing convicts’ properties to ensure adequate compensation for victims. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, leading the Bench, highlighted that 15 High Courts have provided details on pending acid attack cases. Uttar Pradesh leads with 198 cases, followed by Gujarat with 114, West Bengal with 60, Bihar with 68, and Maharashtra with 58 cases.
The Bench, under CJI Kant, emphasized the importance of expediting acid attack cases and urged High Courts to prioritize these matters for swift resolution. The Supreme Court stressed the need for harsh punitive measures to deter such crimes, suggesting the attachment of the accused’s assets for victim compensation. The Court directed all states and Union Territories to submit comprehensive data within four weeks, including details on acid attack incidents, legal proceedings, and victim profiles.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court instructed State Legal Services Authorities to provide information on existing schemes for the rehabilitation, compensation, and medical assistance of acid attack survivors. It also proposed legislative enhancements by the Union government to strengthen the legal framework concerning acid attack cases. This initiative stems from a PIL that prompted High Courts to report pending acid attack trials, aiming for prompt trials and adequate compensation for victims.
