New Delhi, December 11, 2025 – The Supreme Court of India on Thursday recorded the Centre’s assurance that it would consider legislative measures to protect women who are forced to consume acid, a form of violence that often causes catastrophic internal injuries but remains unrecognized under the existing disability law.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 covers victims who suffer external disfigurement in acid attacks, but does not extend protection to those who are compelled to ingest acid, resulting in lifelong internal disabilities. The Court was hearing a petition filed by acid attack survivor Shaheen Malik, who sought statutory recognition and welfare benefits for such survivors.
Petition Flags Serious Legislative Gap
The petitioner highlighted that victims who are forced to drink acid often show no visible injuries, yet sustain irreversible damage to their esophagus, stomach, and internal organs. Because the existing law focuses on outward disfigurement, these victims become ineligible for disability certificates, compensation, and rehabilitation schemes.
The Bench acknowledged the serious issue and noted that the present legal framework fails to account for internal disabilities arising from forced consumption of corrosive substances.
Centre Assures Action
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Court that the Central Government would “positively consider” amending or clarifying the law to ensure such victims fall within the protective ambit of the disability statute. The Bench granted the Centre six weeks to examine the issue and come back with a concrete proposal.
Court’s Observations
CJI Surya Kant described the act of forcing someone to consume acid as “animalistic”, emphasizing that the law must evolve to protect every form of acid-related violence.
The Court stated that even a simple explanatory amendment or clarification could ensure that victims of forced acid ingestion receive disability recognition and access to welfare benefits.
Wider Context
Earlier in the matter, the Supreme Court directed all High Courts to submit data on pending acid attack cases and asked the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court to expedite trials involving acid violence. Notices were also issued to all States and Union Territories to participate in the proceedings.
The matter will be heard next on January 27, 2026.
Case Title: SHAHEEN MALIK Vs UNION OF INDIA | W.P.(C) No. 1112/2025
