Centre Tells Supreme Court on Acid Attack Survivor Benefits Expansion

The Centre informed the Supreme Court on July 15, 2026, that acid attack survivors suffering internal injuries due to forcible ingestion of corrosive substances will now be entitled to benefits under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, significantly expanding the victim protection framework.

Background: Acid attacks represent severe gender-based violence, predominantly targeting women. Previous legislation focused on external injuries, leaving internal/digestive damage undercompensated. The RPwD Act provides disability certificates, healthcare, rehabilitation, and economic benefits. This expansion recognizes invisible injuries' severity and lifelong health consequences.

Key Facts: New policy covers survivors with esophageal, gastrointestinal, and systemic damage from forced acid ingestion. They qualify for disability certificates under the Act. Benefits include: medical treatment, prosthetics, vocational rehabilitation, pension schemes, and assistive devices. Survivors can access special employment quotas. Retroactive benefits being reviewed for cases post-2016.

Why it Matters: Recognizes gendered nature of acid violence and comprehensive harm. Provides formal state recognition of disability-related entitlements. Addresses post-attack social reintegration challenges (employment, healthcare access). Strengthens victim protection framework and state accountability.

Exam Angle: UPSC GS-2 covers gender justice, disability rights, and constitutional protections (Articles 14, 15, 21). GS-3 covers social security schemes. Previous questions addressed gender violence and victim compensation. Expect questions on 'Gender-based violence and state response,' 'Disability rights and entitlements,' 'Victim compensation mechanisms,' 'Article 21 interpretation on health rights.' Also relevant for GS-4 (ethics of violence and rehabilitation).