notification regarding Amendment in Schedule to amend definition of Acid Attack Victims in Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016

**Executive Summary** This notification, issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on May 22, 2026, amends the Schedule of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The amendment substitutes the definition of an "acid attack victim" to include a broader scope of disfigurement and causes. These changes come into effect from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette, which occurred on May 25, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** **Legal Authority and Implementation** * The amendment is made by the Central Government in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 99 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. * The changes are effective from May 25, 2026, the date of publication in the Official Gazette. **Amendments to the Schedule** * The notification targets the Schedule of the Act under the heading “1. Physical disability” and sub-heading “A. Locomotor disability.” * It specifically replaces the existing entry for serial number (e) regarding acid attack victims. **Revised Definition of Acid Attack Victim** * **Scope of Injury:** An "acid attack victim" is defined as a person disfigured either externally or internally. * **Nature of Incident:** The disfigurement may result from a violent assault, self-infliction, or an accident. * **Means of Injury:** The injury must be caused by the throwing, administering, or spilling of acid or a similar corrosive substance. **Impact Analysis** **Acid Attack Victims** **Impact** Individuals suffering from internal or external disfigurement due to acid or corrosive substances are now clearly defined under the Act, regardless of whether the cause was assault, accident, or self-infliction. **Action Required** Affected individuals should ensure their medical documentation aligns with the updated criteria to qualify for recognition under the Locomotor disability category of the Act. **Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment / Implementing Authorities** **Impact** Government departments responsible for the empowerment of persons with disabilities must adopt the updated definition for official records and certification. **Action Required** Authorities must update administrative guidelines and disability assessment protocols to reflect the substituted definition as of May 25, 2026. **Medical Examiners and Certifying Boards** **Impact** Medical professionals responsible for assessing disabilities must now consider internal disfigurement and various modes of exposure (spilling/administering) when identifying acid attack victims. **Action Required** Assessors must apply the specific criteria of the new definition—including the internal disfigurement clause—during the disability certification process.

Key Entities Referenced