Amended RPwD Act to include persons internally injured by acid ingestion, Centre tells SC

📌 Summary:

• The Union government told the Supreme Court it has amended the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 to widen the definition of "acid attack victim"
• The definition now includes persons with internal injuries caused by ingestion of acid or similar corrosive substances — not just external disfigurement
• A notification dated May 22, 2026 amended the Act's Schedule; the new definition covers disfigurement "externally or internally" due to violent assault, self-infliction or accident involving acid/corrosive substances
• Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the Centre before a three-judge Bench headed by CJI Surya Kant
• Effect: internally injured victims become eligible for disability benefits, reservations and welfare protections under the Act

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 Governance & Social Justice — rights of persons with disabilities, welfare of vulnerable groups, and protection of acid-attack survivors

📝 Prelims Facts:

• RPwD Act enacted in 2016; recognises "acid attack victim" among specified disabilities
• Act's Schedule amended via notification dated 22 May 2026
• RPwD Act lists 21 specified disabilities and gives effect to the UN CRPD

🔑 Key Term: RPwD Act, 2016 — law implementing the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, expanding recognised disabilities to 21.