Adopt acid sale regulation by November, orders MHA

Come November, all the states will have strong rules on acid sale. Union home ministry has asked states to either adopt or revise the model poison rules it has prepared following the Supreme Court’s directions. 

The proposed rules include a ban on over-the-counter sale of acids, selling it only to those with identity proof and buyers maintaining foolproof account of the sale. Concerned over the increase in acid attacks, the apex court in July had asked the home ministry to prepare and circulate the model among the states.

The ministry has sent letters to chief secretaries, reminding them that the states have rulemaking powers under the Poison Act of 1919 and they should exercise it.  “It may be borne in mind that the revision or adoption of the content of the Model Poison Rules should be done within three months from the date of communication of the Ministry,” the letter said. In the interim, the ministry has asked states without rules to regulate acid sales to enforce regulations and ensure that the seller maintains a registry with the buyer’s details, quantity sold etc.