Supreme Court Flags Easy Acid Access, Calls for Stricter Action

The Supreme Court of India, while hearing the Shaheen Malik case, raised serious concerns over the rising number of acid attacks and the easy availability of acid.

The Court observed that existing punishments are not acting as an effective deterrent and suggested the need for stricter penalties.

It also proposed shifting the burden of proof onto the accused in such cases and considering attachment of their property to compensate victims.

Importantly, the Court indicated that those illegally selling acid should be held vicariously liable. It further expanded legal recognition to include victims suffering internal injuries under disability law.

[Shaheen Malik v. UOI & Anr.]