HCs directed to yield details in four weeks

Terming the slow pace of trials in acid attack cases as a “mockery of the system”, the SC on Thursday asked all HCs to file details of related pending cases in four weeks.

- PTI

It asked the Centre to consider amending the law through legislation or an ordinance so that acid attack survivors are formally included within the definition of persons with disabilities, enabling them to access welfare schemes.

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to the Centre and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on a PIL filed by acid attack survivor Shaheen Malik, who has sought recognition of victims as persons with disabilities. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that the government would take up the issue with “due seriousness”.