Where does India stand on acid attacks?, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• A Delhi court acquitted the accused in the 2009 acid attack case of Shaheen Malik on December 24, 2025, highlighting challenges faced by survivors in seeking justice.
• In 2023, out of 703 acid attack cases in Indian courts, there were only 16 convictions and 27 acquittals.
• The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita mandates a minimum of 10 years imprisonment up to life imprisonment for acid attacks, along with a fine for medical expenses.
• West Bengal reported 57 acid attacks in 2023, the highest in India, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 31 and Gujarat with 15.

Detailed Insights:

• Acid attacks involve corrosive substances causing severe physical and psychological harm, with women and girls being the majority of victims and motives often linked to relationship issues.
• The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported 207 acid attack cases in 2023, an increase from previous years, but the actual number is estimated to be much higher due to underreporting.
• The Supreme Court mandated regulation of acid sales in 2013, but implementation remains poor, and survivors advocate for stricter bans and enforcement.
• Bangladesh saw a significant decrease in acid attacks after implementing stringent laws and public awareness campaigns in 2002, serving as a potential model for India.
• Recommendations from the Justice J.S. Verma Committee for a national fund to support survivors' medical, psychological, and educational needs are yet to be fully implemented.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Acid Attack: An assault involving corrosive substances intended to harm, disfigure, or kill.
• Bhartiye Nyaya Sanhita: Indian law that defines penalties for acid attacks and attempts, including imprisonment and fines.
• NCRB: Government agency responsible for collecting and publishing crime statistics in India.