Criminal Liability For Acid Attacks Targeting Women And Girls In Urban, Rural, And Workplace Areas

11 Oct 2025 --
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🔹 I. Introduction

Acid attacks are one of the most heinous forms of gender-based violence. They involve the intentional throwing or administering of acid or similar corrosive substances with the intent to disfigure, maim, or kill the victim. Most victims are women and girls, often targeted due to rejection of marriage proposals, refusal of sexual advances, dowry disputes, or personal enmity.

The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 introduced specific provisions in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to deal with acid attacks.

🔹 II. Legal Provisions under Indian Law

1. Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Section 326A IPC – Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid, etc.

Punishment: Imprisonment not less than 10 years, which may extend to life imprisonment, and fine.

Fine must be just and reasonable to meet medical expenses of the victim.

Section 326B IPC – Voluntarily throwing or attempting to throw acid.

Punishment: Imprisonment not less than 5 years, which may extend to 7 years, and fine.

2. Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)

Section 357B CrPC – Compensation payable by the accused shall be in addition to the payment made under any other law.

Section 357C CrPC – Hospitals (public or private) must provide immediate first aid and free medical treatment to acid attack victims.

3. Other Laws

Acid control regulations under the Poison Rules and directives of the Supreme Court restrict the sale and storage of acid.

🔹 III. Judicial Interpretation and Landmark Case Laws

Here are five significant cases that shaped the legal and judicial response to acid attacks in India:

1. Laxmi v. Union of India (2014) 4 SCC 427

Facts:
Laxmi, a young girl from Delhi, was attacked with acid in 2005 by a man whose marriage proposal she rejected. She filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Supreme Court seeking regulation of acid sale and adequate compensation for victims.

Judgment:
The Supreme Court of India:

Directed state governments to regulate the sale of acid and maintain a record of purchasers.

Ordered that acid should not be sold to minors and only to persons with valid identification.

Directed free medical treatment and compensation of ₹3 lakhs minimum to acid attack victims under the Victim Compensation Scheme.

Laid the groundwork for the 2013 amendment introducing Sections 326A and 326B IPC.

Significance:
This case was a turning point, leading to statutory recognition of acid attacks as separate offences and stronger victim protection.

2. Parivartan Kendra v. Union of India (2016) 3 SCC 571

Facts:
A PIL was filed highlighting delays and negligence in compensating acid attack victims, especially those from rural and poor backgrounds, including two Dalit sisters from Bihar.

Judgment:
The Supreme Court held:

Victims must receive minimum compensation of ₹3 lakhs promptly.

Rehabilitation (medical, psychological, vocational) must be provided.

Directed state governments to ensure proper monitoring of compensation schemes.

Significance:
The Court emphasized that justice includes rehabilitation, not just punishment, and that rural victims must not be ignored.

3. State of Uttar Pradesh v. Naushad (2013) (Allahabad High Court)

Facts:
The accused threw acid on a woman who rejected his marriage proposal. The trial court awarded 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment under Section 326 IPC (before the 2013 amendment).

Judgment:
The High Court enhanced the sentence to life imprisonment, observing that:

The attack caused irreversible damage to the woman’s face and life.

Acid attacks are worse than murder as the victim lives with lifelong suffering.

Significance:
This case demonstrated judicial willingness to impose harsh sentences even before specific acid attack laws existed.

4. Sachin Saini v. State of Haryana (2015) (Punjab & Haryana High Court)

Facts:
The accused threw acid on a woman colleague after she refused his romantic advances, leading to severe facial disfigurement.

Judgment:

The Court convicted the accused under Section 326A IPC.

Observed that acid attacks in workplaces reveal deep-rooted gender discrimination.

Denied any leniency, stating that “the workplace must be a safe space for women.”

Significance:
Set an example for workplace-related acid attack liability, linking it to gender justice and safety at work.

5. State of Tamil Nadu v. S. Rajendran (2020) (Madras High Court)

Facts:
The accused attacked his estranged wife with acid in a rural village due to domestic disputes. The woman survived but was permanently blinded.

Judgment:

The Court upheld life imprisonment under Section 326A IPC.

Ordered ₹10 lakh compensation and free lifetime medical care.

Criticized social attitudes that lead to domestic violence and acid attacks.

Significance:
The Court highlighted that rural women are more vulnerable due to poor medical access and societal pressure, stressing the need for awareness and swift justice.

🔹 IV. Criminal Liability Analysis

Aspect	Urban Areas	Rural Areas	Workplace
Motive	Rejection of love/relationship, jealousy	Domestic disputes, caste bias	Harassment, rejection of advances
Liability	Sections 326A/326B IPC; life imprisonment possible	Same sections apply; additional issues of poor investigation	May invoke both IPC and workplace safety laws
Victim Protection	Better access to hospitals, media coverage	Often delayed medical aid, stigma	Corporate liability under workplace harassment policies
Judicial Trend	Strict punishment, public awareness	Compensation and rehabilitation focus	Focus on employer responsibility and safety

🔹 V. Conclusion

Indian criminal law treats acid attacks as grave, gendered crimes deserving of strictest punishment. Through progressive judicial interpretation — from Laxmi’s PIL to Rajendran’s case — the courts have developed a comprehensive framework addressing:

Punishment and deterrence,

Victim compensation and rehabilitation, and

Preventive measures like acid sale regulation.

Despite progress, implementation gaps remain, particularly in rural areas and workplace protection. Continued legal reform, awareness, and enforcement are essential to ensure justice and safety for women and girls across India.