Delhi’s corrosive reality: Acid sales continue unchecked, unregulated

Ten years since the Delhi government introduced the Delhi Poisons Possession and Sales Rules, 2015 to regulate the possession and sale of acid, these highly corrosive substances remain shockingly easy to procure across the national capital.

- Jignasa Sinha and Ridhima Gupta

A citywide check by HT showed that acid continues to be sold over the counter—without ID checks, without disclosure of purpose, and often without even a label, in clear violation of both state law and a 2013 Supreme Court order.

In 2013, prompted by a spate of gruesome acid attacks, the Supreme Court had imposed a nationwide restriction on the sale of acids like nitric, phosphoric, sulphuric, and hydrochloric. The ruling placed a string of regulations on sellers - vendors are required to seek licenses, maintain registers of buyers, ask for identification, and demand disclosure of intent. The Delhi government followed suit in 2015 by listing 40 corrosive substances under a special law, tightening the grip on acid sales within city limits.

In 2013, the Supreme Court, in Laxmi vs Union of India, laid down strict guidelines to regulate acid sales after a spate of attacks. It prohibited over-the-counter sales unless sellers maintained a register with buyers’ names, addresses, ID proof, and the stated purpose of purchase. Acid cannot be sold to anyone under 18, and all stock must be declared to the local sub-divisional magistrate within 15 days. Any undeclared stock or violation can invite confiscation of stock and fines of up to ₹50,000. The Union home ministry also issued advisories directing states and UTs to enforce these rules.

But a reality check by HT across the city found that all these safeguards were meaningless.

Over several days, a team visited eight neighbourhoods ~ including affluent markets and crowded residential zones — and was able to purchase acid from hardware stores, paint shops, chemical supply outlets, and even kirana stores. At no point was identification demanded, and no shopkeeper asked what the acid would be used for.

An easy market