What Sort Of Provisions Have Been Made To Provide Medical Treatment To Acid Attack Victims? - Orissa HC Asks State Govt

The Orissa High Court has asked the State Government about the provisions being made for the medical treatment, especially plastic surgery to the acid attack victims.

The High Court asked thus in an application filed by a man under Section 389 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) for grant of bail.

A Single Bench of Justice S.K. Sahoo said, “Having regard for the aforesaid directions issued by the Hon’ble Highest Court, let the learned counsel for the State obtain instruction as to what sort of provisions have been made by the Govt. of Odisha to provide medical treatment, particularly, plastic surgery to the acid attack victims.”

Advocate B.S. Dasparida represented the appellant/petitioner while Addl. Govt Advocate Arupananda Das represented the respondent/opposite party.

In this case, as per an order, the counsel for the State had produced the photograph of the victim which showed that her face was completely disfigured on account of acid attack. After perusing the photograph of the victim, it was apparent that the victim needed medical intervention, especially surgical treatment, i.e. plastic reconstructive surgery.

Against the aforesaid backdrop, the High Court reminded the directions given by the Supreme Court in the case of Laxmi v. Union of India reported in (2016) 3 Supreme Court Cases 669 for proper treatment, aftercare, and rehabilitation of victims of acid attack.

Furthermore, the Court ordered, “The victim will be produced before the Superintendent of S.C.B. Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack (hereafter for short, ‘S.C.B.M.C.H.’) and she will be examined by a team of doctors formed by the Superintendent of S.C.B.M.C.H. and if proper facilities for her treatment are available, so far as plastic reconstructive surgery is concerned, then the same has to be immediately provided to her free of cost.”

It added that if such a treatment is not available in the hospital, the State shall make necessary arrangement of the treatment of the victim in other Government/private hospital either inside the State or outside.

“The Superintendent of Police, Jagatsinghpur shall submit a report regarding medical treatment along with a copy of the report of the Superintendent of the S.C.B.M.C.H. on the next date”, it also directed.

Accordingly, the High Court listed the matter in the week commencing from February 26, 2024.

Cause Title- Bapi @ Santosh Kumar Bedant v. State of Odisha

Click here to read/download the Order