The Supreme Court of India has ordered high courts to set strict timelines for acid attack trials, aiming to expedite the process and provide justice to victims.
The directive came in response to a public interest litigation filed by an acid attack survivor whose case has been pending since 2009.
Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed disappointment with the pendency of 160 cases in West Bengal and a significant number of pending trials in Uttar Pradesh.
The court also directed states and Union territories to formulate policies ensuring acid attack victims receive preference in government jobs or alternative compensation.
High courts were asked to monitor the implementation of circulars for expeditious disposal of acid attack cases, while states and UTs must provide information on welfare schemes for victims.
