NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court ruled yesterday that authorities must regulate the sale of acid used in a spate of attacks on women by jilted boyfriends and others.
A panel of Supreme Court judges also said that every victim of such an attack must be “rehabilitated and compensated” by their respective state government.
In an interim judgement, the court said each victim should be paid Rs300,000 ($5,000) as well as have medical costs covered, pending a final ruling on the level of compensation.
Earlier this month, the same court had rebuked the central government for failing to formulate a policy to reduce the number of acid attacks on women.
Acid called “tezaab”, which is designed to clean rusted tools but is often used in the attacks, can currently be bought across the counter.
But the judges said the buyer of such acids should in future have to provide a photo identity card to any retailer when they make a purchase.
The retailers must register the name and address of the buyer.
The court direction came on a public interest litigation filed by an acid attack victim seeking regulation of the sale of acid.
Directing that no acid would be sold to any person below the age of 18 years, the court said the seller must declare all the stock available with him to the sub-divisional magistrate within 15 days of the date of notification of the rules by state governments.
Retail outlets with a licence to sell acid will maintain a stock register. Failing to do so or possessing unaccounted acid will lead to a fine of Rs50,000, the court said.
AFP
