Activist Shaheen Malik (centre) with acid attack survivors at a shelter run by her NGO. File | Photo credit: The Hindu
The Supreme Court on Thursday (Dec 11, 2025) said criminals who forcefully apply acid to their victims, mostly women, in abusive marital homes deserve tougher punishments than under anti-terrorism laws such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant heard a petition filed by acid attack survivor Shaheen Malik, who specifically sought to bring survivors who were forced to ingest acid and criminal proceedings against their assailants to be brought under the protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
The Chief Justice asked the Center to amend the criminal and bail laws to punish the perpetrators of this “cruel and heinous” crime. He said the government should consider a comprehensive policy framework to protect survivors who, even if they survive, require extensive and continuous medical treatment. The court said that the accused, found guilty, must be made to pay a hefty fine to their victims.
The Centre, represented by Advocate General Tushar Mehta, said these crimes were the result of mere “animal instinct”.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi, the second judge on the bench, explained that those who survived to ingest the acid would not have any visible marks on their bodies, but their vital organs would be corroded. They would require vital and long-term treatment that a person on a lower income could not afford.
“These people who show such barbarity to their fellow man have no right to roam in society. They are a menace to society and to the rule of law. Their punishment should be more severe than under the UAPA,” Chief Justice Kant observed.
At the previous hearing on December 4, the Supreme Court was shocked to learn that the trial in the case of Ms. Malíková was still over after 16 years. Ms Malik, then 26 and studying for an MBA, was attacked outside her workplace. She reportedly underwent 25 reconstructive surgeries. In 2021, she founded Brave Souls, which has expanded as a pan-Indian movement offering medical and legal support to acid attack survivors.
On Thursday, the court said steps must be taken to complete the trial in the case by December 31.
Published – 11 Dec 2025 21:27 IST
