In the light of Supreme Court’s recent directive and to curb the acid attacks, Madhya Pradesh government has tightened the rules regarding sale of acids, and introduced a jail term and heavy fine as penalty.
Those selling acids without a valid license, or not maintaining a proper record of sale, will face a jail term of three months and fine of Rs. 50,000, as per the new rules. Further, the buyer will have to provide a photo-identity proof to the seller.
The decision to introduce new rules was taken at a meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary R. Parshuram and attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) I.S. Dani and Additional Director General of Police Rajeev Tandon and others.
Sub Divisional Magistrates will monitor the sale of acids in their respective areas, and ensure that records of sale are maintained.
The attack victim will be given a compensation of Rs. 3 lakh – Rs. one lakh within a fortnight of the incident and the balance of Rs. two lakh in the next two months, as specified by the Supreme Court in its ruling last month.
The Supreme Court had also directed the states and the union territories to frame rules to regulate sale of acids within three months, and make acid attack a non-bailable offence.
