In a significant intervention, the Supreme Court signalled that acid attacks may warrant punishment on par with dowry death offences, suggesting harsher sentencing, possible reversal of the burden of proof, and attachment of convicts’ assets, while directing High Courts and States to urgently fast-track pending acid attack cases and victim rehabilitation measures.
The observations came during the hearing of a public interest petition filed by acid attack survivor Shaheen Malik, who sought stronger statutory protection for victims, including those forced to consume acid. The petitioner highlighted prolonged delays, acquittals in her own case after years of litigation, and the absence of effective deterrence, prompting the Court to examine systemic failures in investigation, prosecution, victim support, and case disposal across High Courts, where hundreds of acid attack cases remain pending.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant underscored that existing penal responses may be inadequate to address the brutality of acid attacks, stressing deterrence and victim-centric justice. Questioning why convicts’ property should remain untouched, the Court observed, “This is not less serious than dowry death,” and asked whether extraordinary punitive measures, including attachment of immovable assets, should be considered to compensate survivors.
The Court urged High Courts to prioritise and conclude acid attack cases on a time-bound basis, directed State Legal Services Authorities to submit details of rehabilitation and compensation schemes, and ordered States and Union Territories to file comprehensive data on incidents, trials, appeals, and victim rehabilitation within four weeks.
Disclaimer: This news/ article includes information received via a syndicated news feed. The original rights remain with the respective publisher.
Picture Source :
