Description

Laws, Justice and Rights for Women in the Modern Era
Editor: Prof. Dr. Yogesh Kumar Gupta, Ishan Ahmad and Premananda Murmu
Published by Universal Academic Books Publishers and Distributors,
New Delhi (India)
ISBN: 978-81-686113-5-1, 2026

Chapter 21

Laws for Acid Attack Victims and Their Rehabilitation

Jeevitha, M.
(PhD Research Scholar), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology Deemed to be University., Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Among the brutal instances of violence faced by womankind, the acid attack leaves a person physically disfigured and emotionally shattered. It violates not only the physical and emotional well-being of the victims but also their basic human rights as outlined in the Indian Constitution and various international agreements. To combat such acts of violence, India has introduced specific laws, in the then IPC, now BNS, that address acid attacks and the Supreme Court set guidelines to manage the sale of acids in the country. This study aims to examine the entire legal process related to this issue in India. It will focus on reviewing the various laws connected to this problem, the procedures that follow, the important judicial decision in Laxmi V. UOI, which paved the way for guidelines on various aspects of acid attack victims, the most important among them is the victim compensation scheme’s effectiveness in aiding the victims, the sale of acid and amendments in law, and regulatory methods to address the issue. Additionally, the research will consider the rehabilitation process and the challenges faced by victims of acid attacks. A victim-centered approach to lawmaking is essential in these cases. It is important to restore the rights, dignity, and quality of life through the strict enforcement of legal measures and effective rehabilitation strategies.

Keywords

Acid Attack, Victim Rehabilitation, Criminal Justice System, Human Rights, Compensation, Gender-Based Violence, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Legal Aid.

1. INTRODUCTION: THE SOCIO-LEGAL ANATOMY OF VITRIOLAGE

Acid attacks are described as “pernicious” and “vicious” and largely targeted towards women as an instrument of punishment and control. Unlike many others, the injury is instantaneous and eternal; it’s premeditated with the acquisition of corrosive material, tracking of the victim, and finally execution. The perpetrators deliberately go for the face because in many patriarchal societies women’s self-worth is attached to their looks. It is horrible to even read, let alone imagine; as the acid eats through the skin, fat, muscle and at times, the bones.

Many acid attack victims end up going blind, deaf and with scars they carry with them all through their lives after enduring years of excruciating reconstructive surgery and the emotional trauma – a lifetime of depression and PTSD – that comes with it all, leaving survivors like ‘living ghosts’ unable to re-enter the community because of shame and fear.