On 22 May 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment issued a notification revising the definition of “acid attack victims” covered under the Schedule of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
All you need to know about the revision:
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The definition of “acid attack victims” is covered under the Schedule of the Act under the heading Physical Disability- Locomotor disability.
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Locomotor disability means- a person’s inability to execute distinctive activities associated with movement of self and objects resulting from affliction of musculoskeletal or nervous system or both.
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Earlier, according to the definition it covered- a person disfigured due to violent assaults by throwing of acid or similar corrosive substance.
Now, the definition of “Acid Attack Victims” covers a person disfigured externally or internally, due to violent assault or self-infliction or accident, by throwing, administering, spilling of acid or similar corrosive substances.
Hence, now the updated definition now includes both internal and external injuries arising from acid-related harm due to assault, self-infliction, or accidents, ensuring broader recognition and protection under disability law.
[Acid Attack Victims Definition Revised: Key Changes Under RPWD Act 2016, dt. 22 May 2026]
