Acid Attacks and the Search for Real Justice

Context

• In recent hearings, the Supreme Court observed that acid attacks require extraordinary punitive measures, not routine sentencing.
• The Court suggested seizure and auction of assets of convicted acid attackers to directly compensate survivors.
• In Shaheen Malik v. Union of India (2025), the Court highlighted continued failure to implement earlier binding directions issued in Laxmi v. Union of India (2015) case.

Introduction

• Acid attacks are among the most extreme forms of gender-based violence, causing permanent physical disfigurement, psychological trauma, and social isolation.
• The harm caused is lifelong, extending beyond the moment of attack into medical, economic, and emotional suffering.
• Survivors often face stigma, repeated surgeries, loss of livelihood, and prolonged legal battles.
• Despite IPC Sections 326A and 326B, conviction rates remain uneven and victim compensation inadequate, often delayed or symbolic.

NCRB Data on acid attacks, 2023 

Supreme Court’s Evolving Approach to Acid Attacks

Extraordinary Punishment for Extraordinary Crimes

• The Court stated that punishment must be severe enough to act as a real deterrent.
• A purely reformative approach was rejected for crimes involving irreversible harm.
• Acid attacks were compared in gravity to dowry deaths, questioning their treatment under general sentencing policies.

Asset Seizure and Victim Compensation

• Recommendation to identify, seize, and auction assets of convicted offenders.
• Auction proceeds to be used directly for victim compensation.
• Aimed at combining deterrence with restorative justice.

Laxmi v. Union of India (2015): Key Directions

Shaheen Malik v. Union of India (2025): Judicial Alarm

Recognition of Survivor Trauma and Rights

• The Supreme Court acknowledged the loss of identity, permanent disability, and psychological suffering of survivors.
• Survivors assured high-quality legal representation to prevent procedural injustice.
• Reflects a shift towards dignity-based justice under Article 21 of the Constitution.
  

Ground-Level Challenges Faced by Survivors

Legal and Administrative Barriers

• Delayed or partial payment of compensation.
• Weak enforcement of acid sale regulations.
• Prolonged trials and low conviction rates.

Medical and Physical Hardships

• Denial of free treatment despite clear court directions.
• High out-of-pocket expenses for surgeries and rehabilitation.
• Shortage of burn and reconstructive care facilities, especially in rural areas.

Psychological and Social Impact

• High incidence of depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies.
• Social stigma, isolation, and abandonment by families.
• Limited access to mental health services.

Preventive and institutional gaps

• Absence of a central national database on acid attacks.
• Poor monitoring of acid sale and storage.
• Lack of shelters, rehabilitation centres, and crisis support institutions.
  

Towards a comprehensive rehabilitation framework

Legal and Compensation Reforms

• Compensation should be time-bound and automatically disbursed to survivors to prevent repeated litigation and administrative delays.
• Digital mechanisms linked with police and medical records can ensure speed, transparency, and accountability.
• Fast-track courts should be established for acid attack cases to ensure quick resolution and reduce prolonged trauma.
• Trials should be conducted in-camera to protect the privacy, dignity, and identity of survivors.
• Witness protection mechanisms are necessary to help survivors testify without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
  

Healthcare and Rehabilitation

• Court-mandated free medical treatment must be strictly enforced in both public and private hospitals.
• Any denial or delay in treatment should attract clear legal penalties.
• A national network of specialised burn and reconstructive care centres should be developed, particularly in regions with limited medical infrastructure.
• Survivors should be provided lifetime rehabilitation coverage under public health schemes, including follow-up surgeries, physiotherapy, prosthetics, and assistive devices.
  

Mental Health and Social Support

• Acid attack survivors require long-term psychological support due to severe trauma and social stigma.
• Survivor-led support groups and networks should receive institutional recognition and funding.
• Access to specialised trauma counselling services must be ensured through trained mental health professionals.
• Long-term psychological care should be recognised as a legal entitlement rather than a one-time intervention.
  

Socio-Economic Reintegration

• Survivors should receive education support and scholarships to help them resume or continue studies.
• Skill development programmes must be tailored to survivors’ abilities and interests to enhance employability.
• Job reservations and livelihood assistance should be provided to address workplace discrimination and economic exclusion.
• Access to interest-free loans, startup assistance, and entrepreneurship schemes can promote financial independence and self-reliance.

Conclusion

Acid attacks expose a grave breakdown of social deterrence and state protection mechanisms. The Supreme Court’s recent interventions signal a decisive shift towards survivor-centric and deterrence-based justice. However, true justice will be realised only when judicial intent is matched by effective administrative execution, restoring dignity, security, and hope to survivors.

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