A mention around 4 PM was enough for the Supreme Court to bar a Delhi hospital from discharging an acid attack survivor until doctors certify that she needs only outpatient care.
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New Delhi: Restraining a Delhi hospital from discharging an acid attack survivor, the Supreme Court on Friday (October 9) directed Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to admit her as an indoor patient, provide all necessary treatment including medicines and plastic surgery regardless of cost, and not discharge her until doctors certify that she is fit and needs only outpatient care.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana passed the order when the matter was mentioned around 4 PM. The survivor, who has suffered damage to both eyes, is not named.
What the hospital must now do
The hospital is to admit the survivor as an indoor patient and provide all facilities she requires, including medicines and plastic surgery. She is not to be discharged until doctors certify that she is fit and needs only outpatient treatment.
On cost, the hospital may forward the treatment bills to the Supreme Court, which will give directions on reimbursement. The Registry was directed to register the woman’s representation as an application in the pending case concerning acid attack survivors.
What was said at the mention
A woman appearing in person told the Court that the survivor had been threatened with discharge. According to her, the hospital said it was not specialised for the treatment required, and another private hospital had declined to admit the survivor.
The Chief Justice observed that if the survivor was at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, she should stay there. The woman agreed, but asked that the other hospital be allowed as an option if a transfer became necessary. The survivor did not wish to go to a government hospital.
Why the order matters
The order shows the Court acting at once on a mention to keep an acid attack survivor in hospital, and placing the cost question with the Court itself so that treatment is not held back over bills. It builds on the Court’s pending monitoring of treatment and rehabilitation of acid attack survivors.
Case Title: Acid attack survivors matter (mentioned in person; application registered in the pending acid attack survivors case)
Bench: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, Supreme Court of India
Date of Order: October 9, 2026
Appearances: A woman appeared in person for the survivor