Ban across-the-counter sale of acid, Centre tells states

Compensation of at least Rs 3 lakh would be given to acid attack victims

Complying with the Supreme Court directive, the Union Home Ministry has asked all states to ban across-the-counter sale of acid in the wake of rising incidents of attacks on women using the chemical.

The Ministry also asked the states to impose a fine of Rs 50,000 on acid sellers who do not maintain a register on personal information about buyers.

In its efforts to strictly implement the apex court order to prevent acid attacks, the Home Ministry asked all states to frame laws to make this crime a non-bailable offence as early as possible.

The Centre said a compensation of at least Rs 3 lakh should be given to acid attack victims by the concerned state government or UT as after-care and rehabilitation cost. Out of this, Rs 1 lakh shall be paid to the victim within 15 days of the occurrence of such incident to facilitate immediate medical attention and expenses in this regard.

The balance sum of Rs 2 lakh should be paid as expeditiously as possible and positively within two months thereafter, it said.

The Supreme Court had on July 18 directed that the crime be made a non-bailable offence and enhanced to Rs three lakh the compensation amount for the victims.

The apex court order with a slew of interim directions came on a PIL filed by Delhi-based acid attack victim Laxmi.

The Home Ministry advisory came in response to the Supreme Court order.

"Ban over-the-counter sale of acid/corrosives unless the seller maintains a logbook/register recording the sale of acid which will contain the details of the person(s) to whom acid(s) is/are sold and the quantity sold. The log/register shall also contain the address of the person to whom it is sold," the advisory said.