In Focus podcast | Why are specific acid attack survivors excluded from disability rights in India?

Acid attack survivors are recognised as persons with a specified disability under the Rights of Persons with Disability Act (RPwD), 2016. This acknowledges external disfigurement, but overlooks cases of forcible ingestion of acid wherein injuries are internal and often invisible.

Recently, the Supreme Court heard a plea by an acid attack survivor, Shaheen Malik, to formally recognise such acid attack survivors under the protective umbrella of the RPwD Act. The Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant asked the Centre to consider a comprehensive policy framework. 

In this episode, we explore the inclusion of acid attack survivors and the intersection of their rights, both as “victims” fighting for justice under criminal law, and persons with disabilities navigating the system to access compensation, healthcare, and employment benefits. 

Guest: Madiah Shahjar, Programme and Legal Associate at Brave Souls Foundation, and the advocate who represented Shaheen Malik in the SC plea hearings.

Host: Vibha B Madhava

Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian

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