SC brings survivors of forcible ingestion of acid in RPwD Act, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court included survivors of forcible acid ingestion under the definition of "acid attack victims" within the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
• This inclusion ensures that victims of forcible acid ingestion can claim disability benefits under the 2016 Act.
• The court's decision is effective retrospectively from the inception of the Act in 2016.
• The ruling came in response to a petition seeking to extend the benefits of the Act to victims of forcible acid ingestion, most of whom are women.

Detailed Insights:

• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 initially recognized only victims of acid throwing, but the Supreme Court has now expanded the definition to include those forcibly administered acid.
• The court invoked its plenary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to ensure immediate relief to victims, even as the government works on formally amending the Schedule of the Act.
• The inclusion will enable victims to access monetary support and identity cards, facilitating their access to various disability benefits.
• The court has also suggested framing a comprehensive policy framework to protect survivors, who often require extensive and continuous medical treatment.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Article 142: Empowers the Supreme Court to pass orders necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016: Indian legislation protecting the rights and entitlements of individuals with disabilities.
• Acid Attack Victim: A person disfigured due to a deliberate attack using acid or a similar corrosive substance.