Nine years after Supreme Court order, acid still on sale over the counter

The shop in Bandra from where the mid-day reporter bought acid

Nine years have passed since the Supreme Court's directive to regulate and monitor sale of all acid and corrosive substances in a bid to prevent acid attacks, mostly on women, but the financial capital of the country is yet to implement the guidelines. mid-day visited several shops across the city and found that acid sale was not only rampant but there was no check on buyers in terms of identity or purpose.

As per National Crime Records Bureau, in 2020 alone seven women were subjected to acid attacks and suffered grave injuries in Maharashtra.

The top court's order of 2013 had instructed state administrations to restrict permission for the sale of acid, maintain a record of buyer's identity proof and purpose of use, and the police force was tasked with implementing it. However, when the mid-day team visited some retail outlets in Dahisar, Govandi, and Bandra, they could easily buy large quantities of acid without any questions, at a price of Rs 50 for 400 ml.

When asked if cops ever came to check the sales records, the shopkeepers said there has been no inspection. It is important to note that, due to vague packaging and labelling, there was no information on the contents used.

mid-day correspondent (in olive t-shirt) buys acid from a Dahisar shop

When contacted, Mumbai police spokesperson DCP Sanjay Latkar told mid-day, "Police stations are supposed to take legal action on any deviation or violation."

Speaking with mid-day, Maharashtra State Commission for Women Chairperson Rupali Chakankar said, "As per the directions issued by the Supreme Court, the Maharashtra state is implementing the guidelines to regulate sale of acid corrosive substances. We have directed sub-divisional magistrate and higher police officials for strict implementation of the guidelines. We will review the situation and take appropriate action."

Daulat Bi Khan, an acid attack survivor and founder of NGO Saahas Foundation which works for the upliftment of acid attack survivors, said, "Every year one or two acid attacks happen in the city. This heinous crime destroys lives, but none of the acid sellers follow SC directives. There is a guideline but due to poor implementation and no follow-up by the police, one can easily buy acid and commit a crime. I have raised this issue several times but it is falling on deaf ears."

She demanded effective implementation of the top court order and said, "Law enforcing agencies need to create awareness on dos and don'ts when it comes to selling of acid. Also, those not complying with the directive should face stringent punishment."

mid-day: Give me a strong acid.
Shopkeeper: This one is strong. Be careful while using it.
M: Do you keep a record of the sales?
S: Why?
M: Do cops come to check records?
S: No.

Rs 50
Price of 400 ml acid

mid-day on the ground

People buy acid from a shop in Govandi

A hardware shop in Govandi, March 6
mid-day: Do you sell acid?
Shopkeeper: Yes, how much do you want? We have 1-litre bottles.
mid-day: Do you want any identity proof from me?
The shopkeeper did not reply.
mid-day: Do police ever come to check the record?
Shopkeeper: No.

A shop in Dahisar March 6
mid-day: Do you have acid?
Shopkeeper: Yes, how much do you want?
mid-day: How hazardous is it?
Shopkeeper: Take all precautions while using it.
mid-day: Do you need any of my details?
Shopkeeper: No.

Top Court guidelines

. Government should bear the medical expenses of acid attack victims

. Government should provide a minimum of Rs 3 lakh and up to Rs 8 lakh compensation to the victim

. Acid attack is a crime under section 326A of the IPC which has provision for minimum imprisonment of 10 years.