The court ordered all High Courts to furnish updated data on pending acid attack trials within four weeks. Observing that slow judicial processes deepen trauma for survivors, the bench asked the Centre to consider creating special courts dedicated to acid attack cases to ensure swift hearings.
It further recommended that Parliament or the government, through an ordinance, amend existing rules to include acid attack survivors in the list of ‘persons with disabilities’, allowing them access to welfare schemes and long-term rehabilitation support.
The bench also issued notices to the Union government and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on the concerns raised in the public interest litigation. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that the matter would be treated with “the highest seriousness.”
Petitioner Malik informed the bench that despite the attack taking place in 2009, no meaningful progress occurred until 2013, and the trial has only now reached its final stages. The court remarked that such delays defeat the purpose of justice and require systemic intervention.
According to NCRB data cited during the hearing, 844 acid attack cases are currently pending nationwide, with incidents steadily rising since 2021. Separate academic research suggests the actual number of cases may be significantly higher due to underreporting linked to fear, stigma, and procedural hurdles.
In a related ruling, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that photographing a woman without consent does not constitute voyeurism under Section 354C of the IPC unless it involves a private act or violates her modesty, upholding a Calcutta High Court acquittal.
The court said it would monitor compliance with its directions, stressing that delays in such sensitive cases must no longer be treated as routine.
