Centre asked to clarify whether retail sale should be banned or subjected to tougher regulation
The Supreme Court has asked the Union government to clarify whether retail sale of acid should be completely prohibited or brought under much stricter regulation. The court expressed concern that acid remains easily available despite directions issued in 2013 to regulate its retail sale. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant also asked the Centre, states and Union Territories to frame appropriate rehabilitation measures for acid-attack survivors within six weeks. The Centre was further asked to consider developing a model rehabilitation framework to assist states. The proceedings have renewed attention on enforcement gaps in rules designed to restrict access to corrosive substances.
