Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: RPwD Act 2016, Acid attack victims
Mains: GS Paper 2 — Social Justice, Vulnerable Sections

Why in News?

The Supreme Court ruled that survivors of forcible ingestion of acid should also be treated as acid attack victims under the RPwD Act, 2016, making them eligible for disability benefits.

What is the RPwD Act, 2016?

➤ A landmark law ensuring:

✔ Rights of persons with disabilities
✔ Equal opportunities
✔ Social inclusion

Earlier Provision:

➤ Recognised only acid attack victims (external attack)

What Did the Supreme Court Say?

➤ Court clarified:

✔ Forcible acid ingestion = Acid attack
✔ Survivors must be treated equally
✔ Law should be interpreted broadly

Key Legal Interpretation

➤ The Court used:

✔ Purposive interpretation
→ Meaning: Law should achieve its objective

➤What Benefits Will Survivors Get?

➤ Now eligible for:

✔ Disability benefits
✔ Government welfare schemes
✔ Medical support
✔ Identity recognition

Why This Judgment is Important

1. Expands Scope of Law

More inclusive protection

2. Protects Vulnerable Victims

Recognises overlooked category

3. Promotes Social Justice

Ensures equality in benefits

Additional Direction by SC

➤ Suggested:

✔ Creation of policy framework
✔ Long-term support for survivors
✔ Continuous medical care

Key Issues Highlighted

• Legal gaps in definition
• Lack of recognition of certain victims
• Need for policy reform

Wider Governance Insight

➤ Important theme:

✔ Law must evolve with social realities

India-Specific Impact

• Strengthens disability rights
• Improves welfare delivery
• Enhances legal protection

Key Insight for UPSC

➤ Core idea:

✔ Judiciary expands rights through interpretation

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. RPwD Act was enacted in:
A. 2014
B. 2015
C. 2016
D. 2017
⇢ Answer: C

Q2. RPwD Act deals with:
A. Banking
B. Disability rights
C. Defence
D. Trade
⇢ Answer: B

Q3. Acid ingestion victims are now:
A. Excluded
B. Included
C. Ignored
D. Penalised
⇢ Answer: B

Q4. Supreme Court interpretation helps in:
A. Limiting rights
B. Expanding rights
C. Removing laws
D. Trade
⇢ Answer: B

Q5. RPwD Act ensures:
A. Inequality
B. Inclusion
C. Taxation
D. Defence
⇢ Answer: B

CBL Mains Practice Question

“Judicial interpretation plays a key role in expanding the scope of welfare legislation.”
Discuss with reference to the RPwD Act.

FAQs

1. What is RPwD Act?
Law protecting rights of persons with disabilities.

2. What did SC rule?
Included acid ingestion survivors under the Act.

3. Why is it important?
Expands social justice coverage.

4. What benefits will they get?
Disability benefits and welfare schemes.

5. Which GS paper covers this?
GS2.