New Delhi, October 30: The Supreme Court today sought a response from state governments and union territories on the possibility of banning free sale of acid in view of growing instances of it being used as a weapon of offence, particulary against women.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices P Sathasivam and B S Chauhan issued notices to all state governments and UTs as it was informed that they have expressed reservations against a total ban on sale of acid.
The court had during the last last hearing on September 30 ruled out ordering a total ban on free sale of acid but favoured a restrictive and permissible sale depending on the stand of state governments.
“The issue falls in the state subject. Unless state governments co-operate, little could be done,” the Bench had said asking the petitioner’s counsel to implead state governments in the matter.
–Agencies