The Supreme Court on Tuesday sent a strong message on the rising concern of acid attacks in India, questioning whether existing laws are strict enough to deter such crimes. While hearing a public interest petition filed by acid attack survivor Shaheen Malik, the Court suggested tougher punishment, faster trials, and even attachment of convicts’ assets to ensure justice and compensation for victims.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made it clear that acid attack cases demand an exceptional legal response due to the irreversible harm caused to victims.
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Background of the Case
The case was filed by Shaheen Malik, an acid attack survivor who approached the Supreme Court seeking stronger legal protection for victims, particularly those forced to consume acid. Malik informed the Court that all accused in her case had been acquitted, despite her long legal battle spanning nearly 16 years.
Appearing in person, Malik told the Bench that the ordeal had left her physically scarred and emotionally exhausted. She said she had undergone around 25 surgeries and yet continued to struggle for justice.
Taking note of her situation, the Court offered her legal aid and also acknowledged the delays plaguing acid attack cases across the country.
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Court’s Observations on Deterrence and Punishment
The Bench strongly questioned whether the current legal framework was sufficient to prevent acid attacks. Raising concerns about the lack of deterrence, CJI Surya Kant made a pointed remark on punishment and accountability.
“Why should the assets of the accused not be attached? If a person is found guilty of acid attack, why should all his immovable property not be used to compensate the victim?” the CJI observed.
The Court said that ordinary punishment may not work in such grave crimes and suggested that deterrence theory must be applied in acid attack cases.
The Chief Justice went further to suggest that Parliament may need to step in.
“Some legislative intervention may be required. This is not less serious than dowry death,” he remarked, hinting at the possibility of reversing the burden of proof, similar to provisions under dowry death laws.
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Data on Pending Acid Attack Cases
The Supreme Court also reviewed data submitted by several High Courts on pending acid attack cases. According to the status report:
- Uttar Pradesh has 198 pending cases
- Gujarat has 114 cases
- West Bengal has 60 cases
- Bihar has 68 cases
- Maharashtra has 58 cases
Reports from several other High Courts are still awaited.
The Bench expressed concern over delays and directed High Courts to give priority to such matters.
“We request High Courts to consider expediting and concluding acid attack cases on a time-bound basis,” the Court said.
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Directions to States and Legal Services Authorities
The Court issued detailed directions to all States and Union Territories, asking them to submit comprehensive data within four weeks. This includes:
- Year-wise details of acid attack cases
- Filing of charge sheets
- Status of trials and appeals
- Victim profiles, including education, employment, and marital status
- Medical treatment details and expenses
- Rehabilitation and compensation schemes
State Legal Services Authorities were also directed to place on record the schemes, if any, for rehabilitation and medical support of acid attack survivors.
Call for Stronger Legal Measures
During the hearing, the Bench repeatedly stressed that acid attacks are not ordinary crimes but acts of extreme cruelty.
“If the accused cannot pay compensation, why not attach and auction his assets?” CJI Surya Kant asked, adding that reformative theories may not work in such cases.
The Court underlined that unless punishment is severe and swift, the law would fail to prevent such crimes.
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Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to submit detailed reports on acid attack cases within four weeks and asked High Courts to prioritize such trials. It also asked authorities to place rehabilitation and compensation schemes on record.
The Bench indicated that stronger legal provisions, including asset attachment and legislative changes, may be necessary to ensure justice for acid attack victims.
Case Title: Shaheen Malik vs Union of India
Case No.: W.P.(C) No. 1112/2025
Decision Date: 16 December 2025
