Law & Justice

Supreme Court Urges Centre to Tighten Acid Sales Amid Rising Attack Cases

By TNN

In New Delhi, the Supreme Court on Tuesday urged the Centre to revisit existing guidelines and impose stricter regulation on the retail sale of acid, citing a surge in acid attacks, largely targeting women by jilted lovers. The court questioned the necessity of open‑market acid sales, noting that better substitutes are now available for household use. The bench directed Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave to remind the government that it had issued guidelines to states, but enforcement has been lax. The Court stated that the increasing incidents demonstrate the guidelines have failed and asked the Centre whether it has sought explanations from states that are not implementing them effectively. It also requested the government to file an affidavit outlining steps for regulated acid sales and measures states should take to prevent such attacks.