The issue of laws on acid attacks in India has gained renewed judicial attention with the Supreme Court examining the rehabilitation and legal recognition of acid attack survivors. Despite several legislative and judicial interventions over the past decade, survivors continue to face serious challenges in medical treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration. Acid attacks not only cause severe physical injuries but also lead to long-term psychological trauma and economic marginalisation.
Recognising these challenges, the Supreme Court has recently taken up the issue of including acid attack victims within the disability framework under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act). The matter came before the Court in Shaheen Malik v. Union of India (Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1112 of 2025), where the petitioner highlighted a legislative gap that prevents victims of forceful acid ingestion from being recognised as persons with disabilities under the statute.
In the course of the proceedings, the Court issued a show-cause notice to all State Governments and Union Territories, seeking an explanation as to why specialised rehabilitation schemes through public employment—particularly within government or government-controlled sectors—should not be created for acid attack survivors. The Bench further clarified that if States face logistical difficulties in implementing employment schemes immediately, they must instead submit proposals to provide survivors with a monthly honorarium equivalent to a subsistence allowance. This development reflects the evolving jurisprudence of the Supreme Court in strengthening laws on acid attacks in India and ensuring effective rehabilitation for victims.
Laws on Acid Attacks in India
A major legislative step towards addressing acid attacks in India was taken through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, enacted following nationwide demands for stronger protections against gender-based violence.
The amendment inserted specific provisions in the Indian Penal Code, 1860:
- Section 326A IPC (now Section 124 BNS) – Punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid.
- Section 326B IPC (now Section 125 BNS) – Punishment for attempt to throw or administer acid.
These provisions recognise acid attacks as distinct criminal offences and prescribe stringent punishments, including imprisonment extending to life along with fines that must be paid to the victim.
The 2013 amendment also inserted provisions in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, including:
- Section 357B CrPC (now Section 396 BNSS) – Mandating that compensation payable by the State shall be in addition to the fine imposed on the offender.
- Section 357C CrPC (now Section 397 BNSS) – Making it compulsory for all hospitals, whether public or private, to provide immediate first aid and medical treatment to acid attack victims without delay.
These statutory provisions significantly strengthened laws on acid attacks in India by recognising the seriousness of the offence and imposing obligations on the State and healthcare institutions to ensure prompt assistance to victims.
Victim Compensation Mechanism
Compensation and rehabilitation form a crucial component of laws on acid attacks in India. Under Section 357A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (now Section 395 BNSS), every State Government is required to establish a Victim Compensation Fund to support victims of crime.
The compensation is provided under State-specific Victim Compensation Schemes, which determine the quantum of financial assistance for victims.
To further strengthen this mechanism, the Ministry of Home Affairs introduced the Central Victim Compensation Fund (CVCF) with an initial corpus of ₹200 crore. Under this framework, acid attack victims are entitled to special financial assistance up to ₹5 lakh, aimed at covering medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other support needs.
This compensation mechanism recognises that survivors of acid attacks require long-term medical care, reconstructive surgeries, and psychological support, which often involve substantial financial costs.
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Judicial Approach to Acid Attacks in India
Laxmi v. Union of India (2014) 4 SCC 427
A landmark development in laws on acid attacks in India came through the Supreme Court’s decision in Laxmi v. Union of India. In this case, the Court issued significant guidelines regulating the sale of acid and strengthening victim protection measures.
The Court directed that:
- Acid should not be sold over the counter without proper identification.
- Sellers must maintain records of acid purchases.
- State Governments must ensure strict regulation of acid sales.
Most importantly, the Court directed that acid attack victims must be provided a minimum compensation of ₹3 lakh for medical treatment and rehabilitation. Out of this amount:
- ₹1 lakh must be paid within 15 days of the incident to cover immediate medical expenses.
- The remaining ₹2 lakh must be paid within two months.
The Court also directed Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to ensure strict compliance with these directions.
Parivartan Kendra v. Union of India (2016) 3 SCC 571
The Supreme Court further expanded the scope of laws on acid attacks in India in Parivartan Kendra v. Union of India. The Court clarified that the compensation of ₹3 lakh prescribed in Laxmi should be treated only as the minimum amount, and courts are empowered to grant higher compensation depending on the severity of injuries and the circumstances of the case.
Expressing concern over inadequate implementation of compensation schemes, the Court noted that several States had either failed to implement the Victim Compensation Scheme or had fixed extremely low compensation amounts ranging between ₹25,000 and ₹2 lakh.
The Court observed that acid attack victims often require lifelong medical treatment for damaged skin and multiple reconstructive surgeries, and therefore financial support must reflect the seriousness of their injuries. The Court emphasised that enhanced compensation serves two important purposes:
- It assists victims in rehabilitation and recovery.
- It encourages States to strictly implement preventive measures and regulatory guidelines.
The Emerging Disability Rights Perspective
The recent proceedings in Shaheen Malik v. Union of India represent an important shift in the legal discourse surrounding laws on acid attacks in India. By examining whether acid attack survivors should be included within the disability framework, the Supreme Court has acknowledged that the consequences of such attacks often result in permanent physical and functional impairments.
Recognition under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 would entitle survivors to several statutory protections, including:
- Reservation in public employment
- Educational opportunities
- Social welfare benefits
- Rehabilitation services
The Court’s direction to explore public employment schemes or subsistence allowances further highlights the need for a comprehensive rehabilitation policy that goes beyond immediate compensation and focuses on long-term empowerment of survivors.
Conclusion
The evolution of laws on acid attacks in India reflects a combination of legislative reforms and proactive judicial intervention aimed at addressing one of the most brutal forms of violence. The enactment of specific penal provisions, the creation of victim compensation mechanisms, and landmark judgments such as Laxmi v. Union of India and Parivartan Kendra v. Union of India have significantly strengthened the legal framework.
However, the continuing struggles faced by survivors demonstrate that legal provisions alone are insufficient without effective implementation and sustained rehabilitation measures. The Supreme Court’s recent engagement with the issue of disability recognition marks another progressive step towards ensuring dignity, equality, and meaningful rehabilitation for acid attack survivors.
As the Court continues to shape the post-Laxmi jurisprudence, the focus must remain on strengthening laws on acid attacks in India while ensuring that survivors receive not only justice but also long-term support, rehabilitation, and opportunities for social and economic reintegration.
