Acid ingestion included in amended RPWD Act: Centre informs SC
The Union government has informed the Supreme Court that it has amended the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) of 2016 to include victims of acid ingestion. The new definition of 'acid attack victim' now covers individuals with internal injuries caused by the ingestion of acid or similar corrosive substances. This amendment has retrospective effect, allowing past victims to claim benefits under the 2016 Act. The move follows the Supreme Court's intervention, which had urged the Centre to expand the definition, noting that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) already penalizes both acid-throwing and administration.
Key Points
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) of 2016 has been amended to include victims of acid ingestion.
- The new definition of 'acid attack victim' covers internal injuries from ingesting corrosive substances.
- The amendment has retrospective effect, allowing past victims to claim benefits under the Act.
- The Supreme Court had previously intervened, using its plenary powers, to ensure the inclusion of acid ingestion victims.
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) already penalizes both acid-throwing and administration of acid.
Exam Facts
- The amendment was made to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) of 2016.
- A notification was issued on May 22 by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- The Supreme Court used Article 142 of the Constitution for judicial intervention.
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) includes Section 124 for voluntarily causing grievous hurt.
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