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The Supreme Court on Monday (August 31, 2026) sought the Union government’s response to a plea for a ban on retail sale of acid after concerns were raised over the use of the corrosive substance in crimes against women.
Appearing before a Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, the petitioners, represented by senior advocate Saurabh Kirpal, and acid-attack survivor activist Shaheen Malik, said acid was still available in outlets for the asking despite the apex court’s 2013 directions regulating its retail sale. In the alternative to a complete ban, the court was urged to direct the Centre to frame a scheme to ensure strict regulation of the retail sale of acid in the market.
“We are informed that certain guidelines were laid down in 2013, which have more or less become obsolete and are not being followed… The Union government shall also respond as to why a complete ban on the retail sale of acid should not be imposed, or, in the alternative, whether such sale should be permitted subject to stringent regulatory measures,” the court recorded in the order.
The Bench further directed the Centre, States and Union Territories to formulate appropriate rehabilitation and compensation measures for victims of acid attacks within six weeks.
It also asked the Union government to consider framing a model scheme and providing necessary assistance to States for its effective implementation.
The Bench further asked the States and the Union Territories to furnish an update on the number of acid attack cases, chargesheets filed and the pendency of these cases.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, had said on July 14 that the government made changes in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, to extend the benefits of the law to those acid attack victims who suffer internal injuries due to forced ingestion.
Published – August 31, 2026 10:52 pm IST
