Parivartan Kendra v. Union of India & Ors.
Background
A registered NGO filed a public interest petition after two Dalit sisters in Bihar were attacked with acid while sleeping on their rooftop in October 2012. The elder sister suffered severe burns, and the petition alleged that the treatment given at Patna Medical College Hospital was inadequate. Bihar paid Rs. 2,42,000 towards treatment and fixed compensation of Rs. 25,000 for acid attack victims, and many States had not implemented the compensation scheme ordered by the Supreme Court in Laxmi v. Union of India.
Decision Breakdown
The Supreme Court held that the guidelines in Laxmi's case were proper, but the minimum compensation of Rs. 3 lakh was inadequate for lifelong medical care and rehabilitation. Given the severity of the elder sister's injuries (28% body burns and 90% facial burns, with many more surgeries needed), the Court awarded her Rs. 10 lakh. It awarded Rs. 3 lakh to the younger sister, making a total of Rs. 13 lakh. Bihar was directed to pay Rs. 5 lakh within one month and Rs. 8 lakh within three months, and the State was made responsible for the victims' treatment and rehabilitation. All States and Union Territories were also directed to consider including acid attack victims in their disability lists.
Lesson Learnt
Acid attack survivors are entitled to compensation and to State-funded lifelong treatment and rehabilitation, and the State is responsible for paying them. Victims who need long-term care can ask the courts to enforce these rights, and the State's compensation scheme must be properly implemented.