SC criticises 16-year delay in acid attack case, calls it ‘national shame’; seeks details of pending trials

The order came as the court sharply criticised the 16-year delay in one such case in Delhi, calling it a “national shame”.

Published on: Dec 4, 2025, 15:24:28 IST

By Shivya Kanojia

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The Supreme Court on Thursday directed all high courts to submit information on pending trials related to acid attack cases across the country within four weeks. The order came as the court sharply criticised the 16-year delay in one such case in Delhi, calling it a “national shame”.

The bench also instructed the registries of all high courts to provide details of similar pending matters across the country. (HT_PRINT)

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to the Centre and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities while hearing a public interest litigation filed by acid attack survivor Shaheen Malik. The judges expressed strong displeasure over the fact that Malik’s own case, registered in 2009, is still awaiting conclusion before a Rohini court, PTI reported.

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"What a mockery of the legal system! This is such a shame. If the national capital cannot handle this, then who will? This is national shame," the bench said.

The CJI asked Malik to submit an application within her PIL explaining the reasons behind the delay, assuring her that the court might even take suo motu action. The bench also instructed the registries of all high courts to provide details of similar pending matters across the country.

During the hearing, Malik described the severe challenges faced by acid attack survivors, many of whom live with permanent injuries and require artificial feeding tubes. She urged the court to recognise survivors as persons with disabilities so they can access existing welfare schemes.

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The bench sought the Centre’s response on this demand. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that the issue would be taken up with "due seriousness," adding that perpetrators "should meet with the same ruthlessness as done here."

The CJI encouraged the Centre to consider amending the law, through legislation or, if needed, an ordinance, to include acid attack survivors under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. He also observed that such cases should ideally be heard by special courts to ensure timely justice.

(With PTI inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shivya Kanojia
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.Read More

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