No, there is no outright ban on acid in India. However, there are multiple rules and regulations on acid sales in the country to prevent its misuse. Acid attacks particularly targeting women is a long-standing issue in India. There are numerous cases of acid attacks on women from all over India. Acid attacks occur due to multiple reasons, such as dowry or domestic violence, revenge, rejection of amorous advances and more.
While a landmark judgement of the Supreme Court and measures by the central government and state governments have sought to effectively regulate acid sales and prevent acid attacks, enforcement of the regulations have been weak. Women’s right activists are consistently demanding a blanket ban on acid sales in the country, but the same is yet to materialise.
2013 Supreme Court Judgement
In 2013, the Supreme Court of India took cognizance of rising cases of acid attacks in the country and delivered a landmark judgement on the regulation of sales of corrosive substances. The judgement laid down certain guidelines for the sale of acids in India.
- Vendors wanting to sell acid must obtain a proper licence for the same.
- Acid cannot be sold to any individual aged less than 18.
- Over-the-counter sale of acid is not allowed until and unless the seller maintains a logbook recording the sale. Furthermore, the logbook must also include the buyer’s personal details like name and address, reasons for purchasing acid and the quantity of acid sold.
- Acid can only be sold to authorised and identifiable buyers
On the basis of Supreme Court order, the Ministry of Home Affairs framed the Model Poisons Possession and Sale Rules, 2013. The states were asked to frame their own rules, based on the model rules, to regulate acid sales.
Laxmi vs Union of India 2014
Supreme Court of India addressed the issue of acid sales in the Laxmi vs Union of India case in 2014. The case was a public interest litigation filed by Laxmi, an acid attack victim, in the year 2006. In its judgment, the court mandated strict guidelines, including proper documentation and permission, for acid sales.
Following its 2014 judgment, the Supreme Court directed states and union territories to strictly implement the guidelines on acid sales and take strict actions against violators.
Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Consumer Protection Act, 2019 gave more powers to the state and union territories to regulate acid sales. The act also made it mandatory for e-commerce platforms to verify the identity of acid buyers and comply with other guidelines on acid sales.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.
