The Supreme Court today sought the Centre’s response on whether the retail sale of acid should be completely banned or brought under stricter regulation. The direction came amid concerns over the continued easy availability of acid, despite guidelines issued in 2013 to regulate its retail sale.

 

The court also directed the Centre, all states and Union Territories to formulate appropriate rehabilitation measures for victims of acid attacks within six weeks. It asked the Union government to consider framing a model rehabilitation scheme and providing necessary assistance to states for its effective implementation.

 

The court said the rehabilitation measures should cover compensation, rehabilitation, medical assistance and free education up to higher levels for acid attack victims.