DCW summons DMs of Central, North Delhi over acid sale issue

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has summoned the district magistrates of Central and North Delhi for failing to furnish details of acid sale and steps taken for implementation of the Supreme Court order for its regulation.

“Notices were sent to DM Central. However, the Commission takes a strong note of the fact that despite the passage of over 40 days, no reply in this regard has been received from DM Central barring SDM Kotwali.

“You are hereby directed to appear before the Commission along with the information sought on December 10 at 2 pm failing which appropriate action under law will be initiated by the Commission,” DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal said in a summon letter to District Magistrate (Central) S R Kataria.

In a similar letter, Maliwal has summoned District Magistrate (North) Dr Madhu Rani Teotia to appear before the Commission on the same day.

In view of increased numbers of acid attacks on women and girls, the DCW chief had written to all district magistrates on October 25.

Quoting the Supreme Court order of July 18, 2013, Maliwal had sought details regarding sale of acid and steps taken for implementation of the Apex court order for its regulation.

The Supreme Court in its order had regulated sale of acid, directing sellers to keep a log of the quantity sold.

They were also directed to sell acid to buyers who fulfilled certain conditions like showing identity cards and giving reason for procuring it, she said.

The information sought by the DCW concerned list of licenced retailers, their addresses and stock of acid stored by them as well as action taken to confiscate acid in the past two years, including date of raids and officers who participated in it.

The Commission had also sought information regarding action taken in case of violation of Supreme Court order, collection of fine from violators and expenditure of the collected amount.