Authorities impose strict guidelines for sale of acid in J-K

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have decided to "strictly" regulate the sale of acid in the state, weeks after a law student in Srinagar became the victim of acid attack.
"With a view to regulate the sale of acid and other corrosive substances and to ensure their genuine use, the state's Home Department has impressed upon all the district magistrates, sub-divisional magistrates and Tehsildars to ensure strict compliance of the Jammu and Kashmir, the Poison (Possession and Sale) Rules, 2014," a senior official of the home department said.
The Supreme Court had recently directed the states to ensure that the counter sale of acid was completely prohibited unless the seller maintained a register regarding the sale of acid.

"As per the Supreme Court directions the seller has to maintain a register containing the details of the person to whom acid is sold and the quantity sold. The register shall contain the address of the persons to whom it is sold," he said.
He said that a buyer could buy acid only after showing his government-issued photo identification.
"The buyer has to specify the reason for buying the acid," he said, adding, "All stocks of acid must be declared by the seller with the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) within 15 days, no acid shall be sold to any person who is below 18 years of age."

He said that in case of undeclared stock of acid, the concerned SDM could confiscate the stock and suitably impose fine on such seller up to Rs 50,000.
"The educational institutions, research laboratories, hospitals, government departments and the departments of public sector undertakings, who require to keep or store acid, shall also comply to the guidelines," he said.
He said that a person shall be made accountable for possession and safe-keeping of acid in their premises, the acid shall be stored under his supervision and there shall be compulsory checking of the students and the personnel leaving the laboratories, place of storage where acid is used and the concerned SDM shall be vested with the responsibility of taking appropriate action for the violation of the above directions.