SC proposes seizing assets of acid attack convicts to aid victims
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the pendency of acid attack cases across the country and called for stricter measures, including the attachment of convicts’ properties, to ensure meaningful compensation for victims.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, while hearing a PIL seeking enforcement of guidelines previously laid down by the apex court, noted that 15 High Courts have so far submitted details of pending acid attack cases. According to the status report, Uttar Pradesh leads with 198 pending cases, followed by Gujarat with 114, West Bengal with 60, Bihar with 68, and Maharashtra with 58. Reports from the remaining High Courts are awaited.
“We request the High Courts to consider the desirability of expediting and concluding acid attack cases on a time-bound, out-of-turn basis,” the Supreme Court said.
During the hearing, the CJI Kant-led Bench made strong observations on the need for tougher punitive measures as a deterrent. “Why should the assets of the accused not be attached? If a person is found guilty of an acid attack, why should all his immovable assets not be acquired and used to compensate the victim? Extraordinary punitive measures are necessary. Unless the action is so painful, the deterrent theory must be followed here,” the Court said.
The apex court directed all states and Union Territories to provide comprehensive data within four weeks, including year-wise acid attack incidents, filing of chargesheets, number of cases decided, pendency at trial stages, and appeals arising from concluded trials.
States and UTs must also submit brief particulars of each acid attack victim, including academic qualifications, current employment, marital status, medical treatment details, and expenditure incurred or expected for rehabilitation.
Additionally, the Court asked all State Legal Services Authorities to provide information on any schemes implemented for the rehabilitation, compensation, and medical aid of acid attack survivors.
The CJI-led Bench also suggested that the Union government consider legislative intervention to strengthen the legal framework dealing with acid attack cases.
The matter stems from a PIL in which the apex court had earlier directed all High Courts to furnish details of pending trials and prioritise acid attack cases. The Supreme Court is actively monitoring the issue to ensure speedy trials and effective compensation for survivors.
With IANS inputs