​Marked for life, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court of India addressed the slow pace of justice in acid attack cases, calling it a "mockery of the system".
• CJI Justice Surya Kant emphasized that acid attackers should not receive sympathy from courts and urged a strong systemic response.
• Shaheen Malik, an acid attack survivor, filed a PIL seeking recognition of survivors as persons with specified disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
• The court directed High Courts to provide details on pending acid attack trials and proposed establishing special courts for these cases.
• In 2023, there were 207 reported acid attack incidents in India, with West Bengal recording the highest number (57).

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure timely justice for acid attack victims.
• Shaheen Malik's PIL draws attention to the plight of survivors, including those who were forcibly fed acid, advocating for their rights and recognition.
• The Solicitor-General supported the petitioners' cause, emphasizing the need for perpetrators to face severe consequences for their actions.
• Previous directives from the Supreme Court in Laxmi vs Union Of India and Ors. mandated proper treatment, aftercare, and rehabilitation for acid attack victims, along with regulating acid sales.
• Section 124 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita addresses acid attacks, but the reality involves protracted trials and low conviction rates, indicating implementation challenges.
• Acid attacks are recognized as a severe form of gender-based violence, necessitating comprehensive support and protection for victims.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Public Interest Litigation (PIL): A lawsuit filed in the public interest, addressing grievances of a larger group.
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016: Indian legislation protecting the rights and entitlements of individuals with disabilities.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: The new penal code of India which replaced the Indian Penal Code.