Supreme Court: Internal Acid Injuries Now Disabilities

The Supreme Court, on May 4, 2026, declared that acid attack survivors experiencing internal injuries without visible scarring will be considered victims of acid attacks under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. This significant clarification, which takes effect retrospectively from the Act's inception, was made in response to a petition highlighting a critical legal gap. The previous definition narrowly focused on external disfigurement, excluding those who suffered severe internal damage from forced ingestion of corrosive substances.

This expansion is crucial as a disability certificate under the RPwD Act is the gateway to essential state support, including financial assistance, rehabilitation, and medical care. The petition argued that excluding victims of ingested acid was an arbitrary classification, violating constitutional principles. The court acknowledged that the harm inflicted is equally severe, regardless of whether the acid was thrown or ingested, emphasizing the need for consistent legal treatment.

In addition to broadening the definition, the Supreme Court commented on the inadequacy of current deterrents for acid attacks. The bench suggested reversing the burden of proof onto the accused and proposed that sellers of acid should be held as co-accused in such heinous crimes. These recommendations aim to strengthen legal recourse and enhance victim protection, addressing the alarming increase in acid attack cases.