How effective are current laws and support systems in preventing and addressing acid attacks in India?

Acid attacks are a grave form of gender-based violence in India, causing severe physical and psychological harm to victims, mostly women. Over the years, the government has introduced stricter laws and support mechanisms to prevent such attacks and assist survivors. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a topic of concern.

• Legal Provisions:
  • Section 326A and 326B were added to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 2013, specifically criminalizing acid attacks and attempted acid attacks with stringent punishments (imprisonment up to life and heavy fines).
  • The Supreme Court directed the regulation of acid sales in 2013, mandating that acids can only be sold to individuals above 18 years with valid identification and a record of sale must be maintained.
  • Compensation schemes are in place, such as the Victim Compensation Scheme under Section 357A of the CrPC, to provide financial support to survivors.
• Effectiveness in Prevention:
  • Despite stricter laws, acid attacks continue to be reported, indicating gaps in enforcement and regulation of acid sales at the local level.
  • Easy availability of acids in the market, lack of awareness, and weak monitoring mechanisms undermine preventive efforts.
  • Conviction rates remain low due to delays in investigation and trial, and sometimes due to lack of proper evidence collection.
• Support Systems for Survivors:
  • Free medical treatment for acid attack victims is mandated by the Supreme Court, and some states have set up dedicated funds for this purpose.
  • Rehabilitation measures include financial aid, skill development, and reservation in government jobs for survivors.
  • However, implementation varies widely across states, with many survivors facing bureaucratic hurdles, delays in compensation, and inadequate access to quality medical care and psychological counseling.
  • Social stigma and lack of community support further hinder the rehabilitation and integration of survivors.
• Recent Improvements:
  • Some NGOs and civil society organizations have stepped in to provide legal, medical, and psychological support to survivors.
  • Awareness campaigns and media coverage have helped highlight the issue, pushing authorities to take more proactive measures in some areas.