NationalWednesday, 15 July 2026·The Hindu - National
RPwD Act amended to cover acid ingestion victims; retrospective benefits enabled
The Centre told the Supreme Court that the RPwD Act, 2016 has been amended to include acid ingestion victims with internal injuries.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On July 14, 2026, the Union government told a three-judge Supreme Court Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 was amended on May 22, 2026 to include acid attack victims with internal injuries caused by ingestion of acid or similar corrosive substances.
Key specifics
- The amendment was notified on May 22, 2026 under the RPwD Act, 2016.
- The new definition covers persons disfigured externally or internally by acid or similar corrosive substances.
- The change has retrospective effect for victims injured before May 22, 2026.
- The Supreme Court had invoked Article 142 in May to include forcible acid ingestion survivors.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 124 punishes acid-related grievous hurt with 10 years to life imprisonment.
Exam lens
Polity and social justice question type: constitutional powers, Article 142, RPwD Act, 2016, BNS Section 124, retrospective amendment. TNPSC may ask how acid ingestion victims were brought under disability benefits.