New Delhi, March 10 -- The Supreme Court on Monday passed orders asking high courts across the country to set strict timelines for early completion of acid attack trials, even as it directed states and Union territories to come up with policies to ensure that victims are provided preference in government jobs. The direction came in a PIL filed by a survivor, whose case has been pending trial since 2009. In December, the SC had requested high courts to provide information on pendency of acid attack trials. On Sunday, a bench of CJI Surya Kant and justice Joymalya Bagchi said, "We request high courts to fix a timeline for trial courts." Going through the reports filed by various high courts, the court said it was "disappointed" with the pendency of almost 160 cases in West Bengal as reported by the Calcutta HC. Further, a significant number of pending trials were also reported from Uttar Pradesh. The high courts were requested to file reports updating the steps taken for the speedy conclusion of trials. It directed all states and UTs to provide information on welfare schemes available to acid attack victims. "All states and UTs will show cause as to why a scheme for rehabilitation through employment in government or government-controlled sectors for victims of acid attacks be not directed to be formulated by them."htC...