Court mandates private hospital treatment and reimbursement under Ayushman Bharat for child victim, emphasizing Supreme Court guidelines.
Indore, Madhya Pradesh - In a landmark ruling, the Madhya Pradesh High Court on June 24, 2026, ordered immediate specialized medical treatment for a minor acid attack victim at a private hospital. The court directed that all expenses be covered under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, reinforcing the guidelines established by the Supreme Court in previous landmark cases.
The case involved a four-year-old girl, Shivangi Chouhan, who, along with her family, was subjected to a brutal acid attack, resulting in severe burn injuries. The initial treatment at a Community Health Centre in Rajpur, District Barwani, was deemed inadequate due to insufficient facilities. Consequently, the High Court intervened to ensure the child receives the necessary medical attention.
Presiding Judge Mr. Deepak Khot emphasized the adherence to Supreme Court guidelines outlined in the case of Laxmi v. Union of India, which mandates that both public and private hospitals provide comprehensive care to acid attack survivors. These guidelines also stipulate that no hospital can refuse treatment due to a lack of specialized facilities and must offer first aid and stabilization before transferring patients to specialized centers.
The court's decision stressed the need for immediate admission of the victim to a super-specialty hospital in Indore, with the Bombay Hospital being directed to provide the required treatment. The hospital is instructed to maintain a detailed account of the treatment costs, to be reimbursed through the victim's Ayushman Bharat card, with additional funding from the District Legal Service Authority if necessary.
This ruling not only underscores the legal obligations of medical institutions under Section 357C of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, but also highlights the proactive role of the District Legal Service Authority in facilitating compensation and compliance with treatment mandates.
The decision is a significant step in ensuring justice and proper medical care for acid attack victims, aligning with the judicial precedent that prioritizes victim welfare and rehabilitation.
Bottom line:-
Acid attack victim, especially minor, is entitled to specialized treatment at private hospitals under the guidelines issued by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Laxmi v. Union of India. Full medical care including surgery, medicines, and other necessities must be provided, and expenses can be reimbursed under schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
Statutory provision(s):
Constitution of India, 1950 Article 226; Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 Section 357C; Supreme Court Guidelines on Acid Attack Survivors.
Shivangi Chouhan v. State of Madhya Pradesh, (Madhya Pradesh)(Indore) : Law Finder Doc id # 2932516
