Description

Women Rights, Law and Justice
Editor: Prof. Dr. Yogesh Kumar Gupta
Published by Universal Academic Books Publishers and Distributors,
New Delhi (India)
ISBN: 978-81-686113-2-0, 2026

Chapter 23

A Brutal Crime: Understanding Acid Attack in India

Dr. Madhu Sharma
Assistant Professor in Law, Baba Kundan Singh Memorial Law College, Jalalabad (E). Dharmkot

Abstract

In India, Acid attacks occupy a paradoxical position within criminal and constitutional law. Acid attack involves the deliberate throwing of any corrosive substances such as sulphuric hydrochloric or nitric acid on a person. Such attacks cause severe burns and permanent disfigurement on the face which leads to blindness and long-term physical disability. The survivors in these cases suffer deep psychological trauma and social stigma. Sec.124 of the BNS, 2023 treated acid attack as a specific offence and prescribed punishment also. Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, the NALSA Scheme, 2016 provides legal aid, support and assistance to acid attack victims and their heirs. Under the Model Poison Possession and Sale Rules, 2013, the Supreme Court order mandates strict regulations of sale and about availability of acid.

Keywords

Acid attack, Criminal law, NALSA

1. Introduction

A crime is a wrong not only against human body but against the society as a whole. Whenever any crime is committed it represent failure on the part of state. Because state is supposed to act as a guard of human rights of the society. Whenever any Crime is committed against women it highlights the inability on the part of a state. It is considered as violation of fundamental rights guaranteed by part-III, Article 21 of the constitution. Acid attack is one of them. From the last two decades, India has been witnessing this crime against women as well as children also. It is the most heinous and inhuman crimes. Acid attack means voluntarily act of throwing acid on a person with the intention to cause grievous hurt and take revenge from another person. Women and young girls are predominantly victims in acid attack cases which make it a form of gender based. It put fear amongst women so that they feel that they might be getting attacked if they don’t act according to the traditional subordinate gender roles. Many cases of acid attack can be seen not only in India but also in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Acid attack can be seen mostly in developing regions.