The Poison Act, 1919 is a Pre-constitutional Act which is enacted to regulate sale, possession and importation of any specified poison, both wholesale and retail sale. It prohibits importation into India of any poison except under License. This Act empowers the State Governments to make rules, notify list/schedule of poisons, to regulate the sale, possession of chemical substances/ acids, both wholesale as well as retail sale and provide for imprisonment, which is crucial to prevent any misuse of these substances in violence, criminal activities, especially acid attacks etc.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court judgement issued a series of directions under W.P. (Criminal)129 of 2006; Laxmi minor vs. Union of India to take proactive measures on the issue related to acid attack. In pursuance of this, the Ministry has framed Model Poison Rules which was circulated to the State Government / UT Administration for adoption.