8 months ago
Supreme Court Addresses Delayed Justice for Acid Attack Victims
The Supreme Court of India is concerned about the slow justice for acid attack victims.
They asked for details about pending trials and suggested changes to laws to help victims.
Acid attacks mostly happen to women who reject marriage proposals or advances.
Victims often get badly hurt and need a lot of support.
There were 207 cases in 2023, mostly in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.
The court wants to make sure victims get the help they need and that the laws are followed properly.
They also want to stop the easy availability of acid and improve medical treatment for victims.
Supreme Court seeks details of pending trials in acid attack cases from High Courts.
Solicitor General asked to consider legal amendments to support victims.
207 acid attack cases in 2023, with West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat having the most cases.
Victims often left blinded and crippled, relying on family and NGOs for support.
Lack of uniformity in victim compensation and medical treatment facilities in non-metropolitan areas.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, acid attack victims, Solicitor General of India
- What
- Supreme Court directs registrars of High Courts to provide details of pending trials in acid attack cases and asks for legal amendments to support victims
- Where
- India, with notable cases in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat
- When
- Ongoing, with a specific case pending for 16 years
- Why
- To address the slow pace of justice and support for acid attack victims
Key facts
- Pending Trials
- Supreme Court seeks details from High Courts
- Legal Amendments
- Solicitor General to consider proposing amendments
- Victim Support
- Victims often left blinded and crippled, rely on family and NGOs
- Cases in 2023
- 207 cases involving 220 victims
- Top States for Cases
- West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat
- Penalties
- 10 years to life imprisonment with fine
- Parliamentary Discussion
- Few questions raised in past decade
- Medical Treatment
- Lack of facilities in non-metropolitan centers
Quotes
Chief Justice Surya Kant
Chief Justice of India and member of the bench hearing the case.
“Such orders and comments from the courts have a 'chilling effect' on sexual assault survivors, to the extent that they may come under pressure to withdraw cases.”
NDTV
“The Supreme Court can come up with comprehensive guidelines if the details of all such cases are available.”
NDTV
Supreme Court of India
The highest judicial authority in India.
“These guidelines can help the lower court and the high courts in taking a proper approach while dealing with rape and sexual assault cases.”
NDTV
“There should be no comments or procedures that intimidate survivors or compel them to withdraw complaints.”
NDTV
Shobha Gupta
Senior lawyer presenting arguments during the hearing.
“The Allahabad High Court had also remarked that 'nighttime was like an invitation'.”
NDTV
