Supreme Court: Sell Accused Assets to Compensate Acid Attack Victims?

• The Supreme Court questioned why assets of acid attack convicts shouldn't be auctioned to compensate victims, citing inadequate current compensation.
• CJI Surya Kant emphasized the need for "extraordinary punitive measures" and legislative intervention, comparing the gravity to dowry deaths.
• The Court noted the minimum Rs 3 lakh compensation is insufficient for lifelong medical and rehabilitative needs of survivors.
• Observations came during a PIL by survivor Shaheen Malik, whose accused were acquitted, highlighting delays and gaps in victim support.
• The Supreme Court directed High Courts to expedite acid attack cases and states to provide detailed data on incidents, trials, and victim support.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court pushes for selling acid attack convicts' assets for victim compensation and legislative reforms.