Supreme Court seeks government response on plea to ban retail sale of acid
The Supreme Court of India has requested a government response regarding a potential ban on the retail sale of acid to curb crimes against women. The court is also pushing for updated rehabilitation measures for acid attack survivors and stricter enforcement of existing regulations.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing judicial efforts to address gender-based violence and the failure of existing regulatory frameworks to prevent the misuse of hazardous substances.
The Supreme Court on Monday (August 31, 2026) sought the Union government’s response to a plea for a ban on retail sale of acid after concerns were raised over the use of the corrosive substance in crimes against women.
Appearing before a Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, the petitioners, represented by senior advocate Saurabh Kirpal, and acid-attack survivor activist Shaheen Malik, said acid was still available in outlets for the asking despite the apex court’s 2013 directions regulating its retail sale . In the alternative to a complete ban, the court was urged to direct the Centre to frame a scheme to ensure strict regulation of the retail sale of acid in the market.
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