Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 31-08-2026
Case Overview
- Petition No.1112/2025 filed by Shaheen Malik against Union of India & others; multiple intervening applications (IA No.320840/2025 etc.) were listed.
- IA No.135967/2026 filed by Dr. Navpreet Kaur, Cofounder of Laxmi Foundation, seeking to intervene; the Court dismissed it as withdrawn after counsel indicated a separate filing for another NGO.
- The Court recalled earlier directions (order dated 27.01.2026) that required all High Courts to submit details of pending acid‑attack trials and that State Governments formulate rehabilitation measures for victims.
- Reports received on 09.03.2026 from States, High Courts and State Legal Services Authorities were noted; a show‑cause notice was issued to States to explain why a rehabilitation‑through‑government‑employment scheme should not be ordered.
- The Court asked counsel and the amicus curiae to tabulate compliance affidavits, highlighting whether any State has introduced schemes covering free education, employment, medical treatment, or honorarium.
- In the absence of clear evidence, the Court directed all State Governments and Union Territories to specifically formulate such a rehabilitation scheme and place it on record within six weeks.
- The Union of India was instructed to consider circulating a model scheme and to provide assistance to States for its implementation.
- Regarding the retail sale of acid, the Court noted that 2013 guidelines are obsolete; it directed the Union to submit, within six weeks, reasons why a complete ban on retail acid sales should not be imposed, or alternatively, why restricted sale should be allowed.
- NGOs were invited to submit suggestions on curriculum additions for schools and colleges to raise awareness on prevention and emergency treatment, also within six weeks.
- The matter was scheduled for further consideration on 27‑10‑2026.
Final Outcome
- The intervention application by Dr. Navpreet Kaur was dismissed as withdrawn.
- States and Union Territories must draft and submit a comprehensive rehabilitation scheme for acid‑attack victims within six weeks.
- The Union must respond on the feasibility of a total ban or restricted retail sale of acid within six weeks.
- NGOs may submit awareness‑education recommendations within six weeks.
- The Court will review all submissions on 27 October 2026.
Topics: Acid Attack Rehabilitation; Hazardous Substance Regulation