The Supreme Court directed all High Courts to provide details of pending acid attack trials, expressing alarm at the prolonged delays in delivering justice to survivors. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, was hearing a PIL concerning the plight of acid attack victims. The Court stressed the urgent need to expedite trials and ensure that survivors are not left waiting indefinitely for justice.
The petition was filed by an acid attack survivor who personally appeared before the Court. She revealed that she was attacked in 2009, but her trial has dragged on for over 16 years. She stated that the case remained inactive until 2013 and is now being heard at the Rohini court in Delhi, currently in its final stages. While pursuing her own case, she continues to advocate for other acid attack survivors, highlighting the systemic challenges they face.
The survivor requested that her trial be conducted on a day-to-day basis to prevent further delays. She also highlighted cases where victims are forced to ingest acid, leading to permanent disabilities, inability to walk, and dependence on artificial feeding. She urged the Court to recognize the severity of such cases and ensure survivors receive timely legal relief.
The Court expressed shock over the extreme delay, with CJI Surya Kant stating, “The offence is of 2009 and the trial is not completed! If the National Capital cannot respond to these challenges, then who will deal with it? It is a shame on the system!” The bench emphasized that such cases should ideally be tried in Special Courts and on a daily basis to reflect the gravity of the offence.
The bench further noted that victims often endure lifelong disabilities and suggested amendments to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, to specifically cover acid attack survivors. The Court made it clear that offenders must face strict legal action without leniency, underscoring the need for systemic reforms.
The Apex Court directed the Registrar Generals of all High Courts to submit data regarding pending acid attack trials in their respective jurisdictions. The petitioner was granted liberty to file an application seeking the expeditious completion of her trial. The Court assured that, upon filing, the trial would proceed on a day-to-day basis to ensure swift justice.
This order highlights the Apex Court’s commitment to protecting the rights of acid attack survivors and addressing systemic delays in sensitive criminal cases.
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