Allahabad HC Comes To Aid Of Male Acid Attack Survivor, Asks State Authorities To Show Due Sensitivity In Such Cases
The Allahabad High Court recently directed the District Magistrate of Hapur to promptly process and release the ex-gratia amount under the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to a male acid attack survivor within four weeks. A bench of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal emphasized the need for the state authorities to show due sensitivity in...
The Allahabad High Court recently directed the District Magistrate of Hapur to promptly process and release the ex-gratia amount under the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to a male acid attack survivor within four weeks.
A bench of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal emphasized the need for the state authorities to show due sensitivity in cases involving acid attack survivors.
The bench also expressed concern over the delay in processing the survivor's claim even though a scheme of the Central Government exists in this regard.
In November 2016, Petitioner (Aslam), who was 27 years of age at that time, was subjected to a severe acid attack. This attack resulted in him suffering extensive injuries across his body and ultimately led to 100% disability.
The petitioner submitted a request for the ex-gratia payment under the Central Government's welfare scheme.
Despite the communication from the Central Government on May 24, 2024, instructing the District Magistrate, Hapur, to verify and process the survivor's claim, no action was taken on his application. Therefore, he moved the HC with his writ plea.
Observing that the official authorities must show due sensitivity in such cases, the bench directed the District Magistrate, Hapur, to examine the petitioner's claim and ensure that the amount found due and payable in terms of the aforesaid scheme is released to him within four weeks.
With the aforesaid, the writ plea was disposed of.
The petitioner was assisted by acid attack survivor and Founder of an NGO, Brave Souls Foundation, Shaheen Malik and Advocates Mohd. Iliyas, Mohammad Danish.
Case title - Aslam vs. Union Of India And 2 Others 2025 LiveLaw (AB) 103
Case citation: 2025 LiveLaw (AB) 103