Acid Attacks in India: Current Issues and Legal Framework
Key Points
The recent acquittal in the Shaheen Malik acid attack case has highlighted significant deficiencies in India's approach to combating acid violence, such as weak investigations and delayed compensation. This issue is critical for UPSC aspirants, particularly for General Studies (GS) Papers 2 and 3. Last Updated: 2026-01-07
Key Facts About Acid Attacks in India
- Acid attacks involve throwing corrosive substances on a person, causing severe burns and permanent disfigurement.
- Victims often endure deep psychological trauma and social stigma.
- Women and young girls are predominantly the victims of acid attacks.
- In 2023, there were 207 acid attacks reported in India.
- States like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat are the worst affected.
- Acid attacks are treated as a serious offense under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
- Legal aid is provided under the NALSA Scheme, 2016.
- The Supreme Court mandates strict regulation of acid sales.
India's Legal and Social Challenge with Acid Attacks
Acid attacks represent a severe social and legal challenge in India, impacting the country's social fabric and human rights record. Despite legal frameworks, the persistence of such attacks underscores the need for stronger enforcement and societal change. Comparatively, Bangladesh has seen success in reducing acid violence through stringent laws and effective implementation, setting a potential model for India to follow.
Related Government Schemes/Policies
- NALSA Scheme, 2016: Provides legal aid to acid attack victims.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: Treats acid attacks as a serious offense.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations - Focus on laws and social justice for acid attack victims.
- GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas - Discuss the internal security aspect of acid attacks.
- Prelims: Questions on legal provisions, statistics, and government schemes related to acid attacks.
- Mains: Analytical themes on social justice, legal reforms, and victim rehabilitation.
FAQ Section
- What is an acid attack?
An acid attack involves the deliberate throwing of corrosive substances on a person, causing severe physical and emotional harm.
- Why is addressing acid attacks important?
Addressing acid attacks is crucial for ensuring social justice, protecting human rights, and enhancing the safety of women and girls in India.
- What are the key features of India's legal framework for acid attacks?
The legal framework includes the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which treats acid attacks as a serious offense, and the NALSA Scheme, 2016, which provides legal aid to victims.
Detailed Coverage
- Acid attacks involve throwing corrosive substances on a person.
- Such attacks cause severe burns and permanent disfigurement.
- Victims often suffer from deep psychological trauma and social stigma.
- Acid attack victims are predominantly women and young girls.
- In 2023, 207 acid attacks were reported in India.
- West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat are the worst-affected states.
- Acid attacks are now treated as a serious offense under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
- Legal aid is provided to victims under NALSA Scheme, 2016.
- Supreme Court mandates strict regulation of acid sales.
- Judicial delays often lead to prolonged trials and weak prosecution.
- Victim-blaming and social stigma hinder justice.
- Normalization of out-of-court settlements allows perpetrators to evade justice.
- Delayed compensation puts survivors in financial distress.
- Stricter regulation of acid sales is essential for prevention.
- Judicial sensitization and fast-track courts are necessary for justice delivery.
- A national survivor fund is recommended for long-term rehabilitation.
- Victim-centric justice and rehabilitation framework is crucial to end acid violence.