Latest JudgementCode of Criminal Procedure, 1973

ACID SURVIVORS SAAHAS FOUNDATION (NGO) Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., 2025

Supreme Court of India·21 March 2025

Court

Supreme Court of India

Date of Decision

21 March 2025

Judges

CJI Sanjiv Khanna ⦁ Justice Sanjay Kumar

Citation

Acts / Provisions

Section 357 CrPC

Facts of the Case

The Saahas Foundation, an NGO representing acid attack survivors, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking efficient implementation of compensation and rehabilitation for acid attack victims.
The PIL highlighted delays in the disbursement of compensations and lack of rehabilitation for victims despite guidelines set in the Laxmi v. Union of India case.
The petition pointed out instances such as a two-and-a-half-year-old girl in Maharashtra who became a victim of acid attack while sleeping next to her mother.
The petitioner's counsel emphasized that many victims had not received any compensation and faced obstacles in obtaining their entitled amounts.

Whether the Union of India and State Governments have effectively implemented the guidelines for compensation and rehabilitation of acid attack victims as set out in Laxmi v. Union of India?
Whether there has been a delay in disbursing compensation to acid attack survivors?
What remedies are available for acid attack victims in case of delays or defaults in receiving compensation?

Liberty to Approach SLSA: The Court granted acid attack victims the liberty to approach the State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) in case of any default or delay in receiving their compensatory amount.
Additional Time for Responses: The Court granted an additional 4 weeks to the Union of India and several States to file their responses to the PIL. The States of U.P., Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra were noted for not yet filing their responses.
SLSA’s Responsibility: The Court directed the State Legal Services Authorities (SLSA) to compile a chart containing details of all the compensation applications filed by victims, including the names and dates when applications were submitted.
Treatment in Private Hospitals: The Court further directed the SLSA to ensure that acid attack victims are admitted to private hospitals for treatment if required, and that any complaints regarding treatment should be promptly reported to the private hospitals and, if necessary, to the Court.

The Court emphasized that victims should not face delays or defaults in receiving compensation. If such delays occur, the victims are free to approach the State Legal Services Authorities (SLSA) for assistance.
States were directed to comply with the Laxmi case guidelines and submit their responses within the granted timeline.
The SLSA was tasked with ensuring the victims' treatment at private hospitals and addressing complaints promptly.

The Court recognized the delay in compensating acid attack victims and emphasized the need for efficiency in implementing the compensation scheme for the victims.
By allowing the victims to approach the SLSA, the Court has provided a remedy to address the systemic issues in the disbursement process.
The State Legal Services Authorities have been given a critical role in monitoring and ensuring the timely delivery of compensations and rehabilitation for the victims. This gives an official body the responsibility to track and address delays.
The Court’s directive to compile and submit a chart of the compensation applications will ensure transparency and accountability in the process.
The Court's directive to ensure treatment at private hospitals emphasizes the urgent healthcare needs of acid attack survivors and seeks to address concerns regarding the quality of medical treatment they receive.
The monitoring of complaints by the SLSA will further safeguard the rights of the victims and ensure they receive proper medical care.