Acid Attack Judgments And Sentencing Trends
🔍 Acid Attack: Legal Overview
➤ What is an Acid Attack?
An acid attack involves the deliberate throwing or application of corrosive substances (usually acids or alkalis) with the intent to maim, disfigure, torture, or kill. Victims often suffer permanent disfigurement, blindness, and severe psychological trauma.
➤ Legal Provisions in India:
Before 2013, acid attacks were prosecuted under general provisions such as:
Section 326 IPC: Voluntarily causing grievous hurt.
After the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, specific provisions were added:
Section 326A IPC: Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid — Punishable with a minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment and fine.
Section 326B IPC: Attempt to throw or administer acid — 5 to 7 years imprisonment and fine.
Compensation: Under Section 357A CrPC, victims are entitled to compensation from the state.
⚖️ Major Acid Attack Judgments and Sentencing Trends
1. Laxmi v. Union of India (2013 & 2015)
Court: Supreme Court of India
Petitioner: Laxmi (acid attack survivor)
Background:
Laxmi, a minor at the time, was attacked in 2005 in Delhi for refusing a marriage proposal. Her public interest litigation led to nationwide attention.
Issues:
Lack of strict punishment for acid attackers.
Easy and unregulated sale of acid.
Inadequate compensation and rehabilitation.
Court Ruling:
Directed both stricter regulation of acid sale and proper compensation mechanisms.
Mandated free treatment, including plastic surgeries for victims.
Ordered that acid not be sold to individuals under 18, and a photo ID must be shown before purchase.
State governments directed to pay minimum ₹3 lakh compensation to acid attack victims.
Significance:
Landmark PIL that led to significant legislative and executive reforms.
Set the stage for introducing Sections 326A and 326B IPC in 2013.
2. State v. Amandeep Singh (Delhi Trial Court, 2015)
Court: Fast Track Court, Delhi
Case Facts: Amandeep Singh threw acid on his ex-girlfriend after she ended the relationship.
Charges:
Section 326A IPC – Causing grievous hurt by acid.
Section 307 IPC – Attempt to murder.
Judgment:
Convicted under Section 326A and 307 IPC.
Sentenced to life imprisonment.
Ordered to pay ₹5 lakh compensation, part of which was to be used for her surgeries.
Significance:
Reinforced that intent and severity of injuries play a major role in sentencing.
Showed that courts are treating such cases with zero tolerance, especially when there is premeditation.
3. Sonali Mukherjee Case (Jharkhand, 2003; Sentence in 2015)
Victim: Sonali Mukherjee, a 17-year-old student
Attackers: Three men threw acid on her for protesting against their harassment.
Proceedings:
Attack happened in 2003; after initial bail, the case languished for years.
In 2015, after public outcry and media attention, fast-track action was taken.
Judgment:
Accused convicted under Section 326A IPC.
Sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.
State government ordered to provide financial assistance and rehabilitation.
Significance:
Delayed justice but significant in showing the impact of public pressure in reactivating long-pending acid attack cases.
Also drew attention to the importance of victim rehabilitation, not just punishment.
4. State of Karnataka v. Abdul Kareem (Karnataka High Court, 2014)
Court: Karnataka High Court
Facts: Abdul Kareem threw acid on a young woman for rejecting his marriage proposal.
Charges:
IPC Sections 326A, 307, and other relevant sections.
Trial Court Verdict:
Convicted and sentenced to 15 years rigorous imprisonment.
Appeal:
The Karnataka High Court enhanced the sentence to life imprisonment, noting the heinous nature of the crime and the need for deterrence.
Significance:
Reflected a trend of higher courts enhancing sentences where trial courts showed leniency.
Emphasized proportional punishment based on permanent injury caused and motive.
5. Priyanka Reddy Acid Attack Case (Tamil Nadu, 2022)
Facts: A spurned lover attacked the victim in a public place with acid. The attack left her with severe facial and bodily injuries.
Charges:
Section 326A IPC
Section 341 (wrongful restraint)
Section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty)
Trial Outcome:
Sentenced to life imprisonment under Section 326A.
Court observed that such attacks "scar the soul, not just the skin", and must be punished severely to set an example.
Significance:
Recent case showing consistent application of harsh punishment for acid attacks.
Reflected judicial awareness of the psychological trauma endured by survivors.
🧾 Sentencing Trends in Acid Attack Cases
🔹 Severity of Punishment Increasing:
Post-2013, courts have regularly imposed minimum 10 years to life imprisonment under Section 326A.
In several cases, life imprisonment is being given even for single-victim cases, depending on intent and brutality.
🔹 Higher Compensation Awards:
Courts have recognized the long-term medical, psychological, and social costs.
Increasing trend of awarding ₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh or more, often directing state to ensure medical treatment.
🔹 Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence:
Especially when the motive is revenge for rejection, courts show no sympathy toward the accused.
Some courts observe that such crimes reflect deep-rooted misogyny and warrant exemplary punishment.
🏁 Conclusion
Acid attacks are among the most heinous forms of gender-based violence. The judiciary has evolved from treating them as grievous hurt to recognizing them as distinct crimes deserving the harshest penalties. Through landmark judgments, courts have:
Advocated for strict regulation of acid sale,
Ensured proper sentencing and victim compensation,
Sent a strong message about zero tolerance toward such crimes.
The trend is clear: higher punishments, better rehabilitation, and stronger victim rights.
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