SHILLONG: Taking a strong cognizance of the rampant criminal activities committed by the use of acid, the State Cabinet on Thursday approved the ‘Poison Amendment Bill, 2013’ in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling.
The Bill is expected to regulate the sale and storage of acid.
Speaking to media persons, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said the Cabinet approved the Bill following an apex court directive asking all states to frame rules on the sale and storage of various forms of acid products.
With this Act coming into force, the sellers of the acid will have to declare their stocks before the Deputy Commissioner within 15 days and they will also have to determine their stock every three months.
In addition, the sellers are also required to maintain a register to keep record of people buying acid from them.
All institutions and laboratories will have to comply with the provisions laid down in the proposed Act.
“The Bill will ensure that people who have criminal intent to procure and use acid to harm others can be prevented to a great extent and it will in turn act as a deterrent,” Dr Sangma said.
