The Allahabad High Court has instructed the District Magistrate of Hapur to expedite the processing and disbursement of the ex-gratia amount from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to a male acid attack survivor within four weeks.

A bench comprising Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal underscored the importance of state authorities demonstrating due sensitivity in matters concerning acid attack survivors.

The bench also raised concerns about the delay in processing the survivor's claim, despite the availability of a Central Government scheme for such cases.

Case Brief:

In November 2016, the petitioner, Aslam, then 27 years old, suffered a brutal acid attack that caused severe injuries across his body, resulting in 100% disability. He later applied for an ex-gratia payment under the Central Government's welfare scheme.

Despite the Central Government's directive on May 24, 2024, instructing the District Magistrate of Hapur to verify and process the survivor's claim, no action was taken on his application. Consequently, he approached the High Court by filing a writ petition.

Emphasizing the need for official authorities to act with due sensitivity in such cases, the bench directed the District Magistrate of Hapur to review the petitioner's claim and ensure the disbursement of the amount due under the relevant scheme within four weeks.

With these directions, the writ petition was disposed of.  

The petitioner was supported by acid attack survivor and Brave Souls Foundation founder, Shaheen Malik, along with Advocates Mohd. Iliyas and Mohammad Danish.

Case title - Aslam vs. Union Of India And 2 Others 2025