Wed Dec 03 11:28:17 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten news article based on it:
Summary:
The Supreme Court of India has taken up a case regarding the inadequate compensation and medical care provided to acid attack survivors, primarily young women. Despite previous court orders mandating a minimum compensation of ₹3 lakh and free medical treatment in both public and private hospitals, survivors are reportedly not receiving the full compensation, and private hospitals are refusing free treatment. An NGO brought the issue to the court’s attention, highlighting the lack of aid for reconstructive surgery and the refusal of private hospitals to treat victims without upfront payment. The Court has issued notices, involved the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to collect data on disbursement, and instructed state officials to ensure compliance with previous orders.
News Article:
Supreme Court Revisits Acid Attack Survivor Compensation, Medical Care Mandates
New Delhi, December 3, 2025 – The Supreme Court of India has reignited its focus on the plight of acid attack survivors, particularly regarding the inadequate implementation of compensation and medical care mandates previously ordered by the court. A Bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna is examining why victims are not receiving the full minimum compensation of ₹3 lakh and why private hospitals continue to deny free critical care.
The case was brought to the forefront by the Acid Survivors Saahas Foundation, an NGO, which reported that survivors, particularly in states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, often receive only a fraction of the mandated compensation. The NGO highlighted the critical need for reconstructive surgery funding and the disturbing practice of private hospitals demanding full payment before providing treatment.
“That is what really hurts us, not only as lawyers, but as human beings,” the NGO counsel submitted.
The Supreme Court originally addressed the issue of acid attacks in 2006, establishing compensation guidelines and banning over-the-counter acid sales. Subsequent orders in 2013 and 2015 reiterated the requirement for free medical treatment, including medication, bed, and food.
Now, concerned that these mandates are not being followed, the Court has issued notice to the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and directed it to gather data on the disbursement of funds to acid attack survivors from State Legal Services Authorities. While NALSA reported that approximately ₹484 crore had been disbursed between March 2024 and April 2025, the court seeks detailed information on individual cases and compliance.
The court has also instructed State Chief Secretaries and Principal Health Secretaries to ensure that funds are disbursed promptly to district-level bodies for payment to survivors, and that private hospitals comply with the requirement to provide free treatment.
The case has been scheduled for further hearing on February 3, 2026. The Supreme Court’s renewed intervention signifies a commitment to ensuring that acid attack survivors receive the support and care mandated by law.
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