Expressing serious concern over increasing incidents of acid attacks, the Supreme Court on Friday said such attacks are worse than murder as the entire life of the victim stands ruined.

A bench comprising Justice G P Mathur and Justice P K Balasubramanyam observed, "Punishment for the offence of acid attack on a person deserves to be enhanced and the government should consider it. The victims of such attacks should be adequately compensated and financial assistance should also be provided to them for proper treatment."

The court adjourned the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation filed by Laxmi, a minor, who herself is a victim of acid attack, by six weeks.

The petitioner who received more than 50 per cent burns, in her petition has pleaded for providing a stricter punishment as the offenders are presently booked only for causing serious injury while the offence destroys the very existence of the victim and her life becomes worse than death.

The state must also provide for immediate minimum financial assistance to the victim.