SC considers attachment of offenders’ property to ensure compensation for acid attack survivors

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that stringent action must be taken to deal with acid attack cases, suggesting the attachment and auction of the accused’s assets to ensure that victims receive compensation.

Observing that conventional punitive approaches have failed to deter such heinous crimes, the Court stressed the need for more effective measures.

Advertisement

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made these observations while hearing a public interest litigation seeking stronger preventive measures against acid attacks and effective rehabilitation of survivors. The Court underlined that punishment in such cases must be severe enough to act as a real deterrent.

Emphasising the need to prioritise victim compensation, the Bench said that even the personal assets of offenders could be seized if necessary. “If the accused cannot pay compensation, why not attach all assets and auction them to compensate the victim?” Chief Justice Kant remarked.

The Chief Justice further indicated that acid attack offences warranted responses going beyond the routine application of criminal law.

“Some extraordinary punitive measures are needed beyond the letter of the law. Unless the action is so painful for the accused, it will not work. The reformative theory has no place here,” he said.

Seeking comprehensive data, the Court directed all States and Union Territories to furnish detailed information on acid attack incidents.

“Let all States and Union Territories provide a year-wise list of reported attacks, whether charge sheets were filed, how many cases have been decided, and how many are pending,” the Bench ordered.

The Court also sought victim-specific details to assess the adequacy of rehabilitation measures. It asked for information including “brief particulars of each acid attack victim, her educational qualifications, employment status, marital status, medical treatment undergone, expenses incurred or likely to be incurred, and details of any rehabilitation scheme provided.”

States and Union Territories have been granted four weeks to compile and submit the required data.

During the hearing, the Bench reiterated that acid attacks are crimes of extreme gravity and must be treated on par with other serious offences against women, warranting a robust and uncompromising legal response.

The Chief Justice also urged the Central government to examine whether existing legal provisions were adequate to address the menace or whether fresh legislative intervention was required. Addressing Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave, he said, “Think of some legislative intervention. This is no less serious than a dowry death.”

The Court’s observations come amid growing concern over delays in the disposal of acid attack cases and the inadequacy of compensation for survivors.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had directed the Registrars General of all High Courts to submit details of pending acid attack trials across the country, highlighting systemic delays and the urgent need for reforms to ensure timely justice and meaningful rehabilitation.