The Supreme Court on Thursday voiced serious concern over delays in justice for acid attack survivors after learning that a criminal case from 2009 is still awaiting trial in a Delhi court, nearly sixteen years after the attack.
The issue came up when an acid attack survivor addressed the court, describing her long struggle for justice and the suffering faced by many others like her. Her lawyer told the judges that the case against those responsible for her attack remains unresolved even today.
&ldquo;There was an attack on me in the year 2009. But now I work for others. There are others who are made to drink acid and they suffer equally. They are made to eat food by food pipe,&rdquo; the survivor&rsquo;s counsel told the court.
Reacting with shock, Chief Justice Surya Kant asked whether the case was still pending. When informed that the trial was yet to be completed in a Rohini court in Delhi, he strongly criticised the delay.
&ldquo;Please file an application. Tell us why the trial has not been completed since 2009. We will take suo motu cognizance. If the national capital cannot handle such a situation, then who will? This is such a shame!&rdquo; he said.
Questioning the larger justice system, the Chief Justice added, &ldquo;If the national capital cannot handle such a situation, then who will? This is such a shame! This (the delay in criminal trial) is a mockery of the system.&rdquo;
The government&rsquo;s top law officer also expressed agreement with the court&rsquo;s concern. &ldquo;The perpetrator should meet with the same ruthlessness as done here. No agency can oppose this,&rdquo; the Solicitor General told the judges.
Urging the government to act, the Chief Justice called for stronger support systems for acid attack survivors. &ldquo;Mr. Solicitor General, do something. If there is affirmative action from your end. The definition of &lsquo;disabled&rsquo; can include them as well. There can be an ordinance. This (the delay in criminal trial) is a mockery of the system,&rdquo; he said.
Taking the matter further, the Supreme Court directed authorities across the country to submit information on all pending acid attack cases. &ldquo;Issue notice. We direct Registrar General of all High Courts to furnish details of all pending trials in the matters of acid attack victims,&rdquo; the court ordered.
The case will be taken up again next week, as the court seeks a clearer picture of how widespread such delays are and what steps are needed to ensure faster justice for survivors.

SC Alarmed by 16-Year Delay in Acid Attack Case

Top court seeks nationwide data on pending acid attack trials after survivor’s plea shocks

SC Alarmed by 16-Year Delay in Acid Attack Case

Top court seeks nationwide data on pending acid attack trials after survivor’s plea shocks

December 4, 2025 | 19:39 IST