Supreme Court Slams 16-Year Delay in Acid Attack Trial, Calls It “Shameful” and Orders Nationwide Review

The Supreme Court on Thursday sharply criticised the 16-year delay in an acid attack trial, calling it a “shame” and a “mockery of the legal system.” Taking suo motu cognisance of delays in such cases across the country, the Court directed all high courts to submit detailed data on pending acid attack trials within their jurisdictions.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made the remarks while hearing a PIL filed by Shaheen Malik, an acid attack survivor. The petition seeks support for women who are force-fed acid, a form of assault that often goes unnoticed because the damage is internal and harder to document.

“A trial of 2009 is still going on—what a shame!”

Expressing deep concern, the CJI said:
“What a mockery of the legal system! This is such a shame. A trial of 2009 is still going on. If the national capital cannot handle this, then who will?”

Malik, who was attacked in 2009, told the Court that despite the severity of cases where women are made to drink acid, timely medical aid and compensation are often denied because the injuries are internal. She shared that her trial saw no progress until 2013, when a judicial officer revived the case. Even now, the matter remains pending in a Delhi court.

CJI shocked: “Unbelievable that this is still happening”

The CJI expressed horror at the practice of force-feeding acid.
He asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to examine possible amendments to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, to ensure survivors suffering internal injuries are formally recognised for support and compensation.

Daily Hearings and Fast-Track Trials

The Supreme Court has asked Malik to file an application seeking expedited hearings in her trial. The bench said it would order the lower court to conduct day-to-day proceedings to prevent further delay.

The Court also directed all high courts to:

• Compile data on pending acid attack cases

• Ensure such trials are heard in fast-track courts

• Implement mechanisms for speedy adjudication

The bench stressed that justice delayed in such brutal crimes only deepens the suffering of survivors and erodes trust in the legal system.