The Supreme Court on December 7 claimed that state governments should pay higher compensation to acid-attack survivors, stressing the need for rehabilitation of the victims. A bench comprising justices M.Y. Eqbal and C. Nagappan also directed governments of states and union territories to take steps to treat acid attack survivors as physically disabled people and offer the benefits that the disabled receive. In 2013, in the case of an acid attack survivor identified Laxmi, the apex court issued guidelines to regulate the sale of acid and storing of chemicals and suggested compensation schemes for survivors.

Background:-

• Ruling on a petition filed by non-profit Parivartan Kendra, the court on December 7 awarded a compensation of Rs.13 lakh for a woman from Bihar, Chanchal, and her sister, for injuries they suffered in an acid attack.
• The two-judge bench noted that the July 2013 verdict of the Supreme Court mandated a minimum of Rs.3 lakh compensation, but a higher sum could be awarded.
• Under the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, there are seven categories under which a person can seek protection. Inclusion under this could improve social protection for acid attack victims, according to experts. The court noted the plight and social alienation faced by acid attack victims in its verdict.
• Acid attacks on women have become increasingly common in India in recent years despite action taken by the law to deter them.
• A June 2013 report in Mint said the home ministry estimated that 500 such attacks had taken place over the past four years.
• Many of the attacks were carried out by stalkers, or men who had had their advances or proposals for marriage spurned by the victims.