Article on Acid Attack - Judiciary Exams PDF Download

Introduction

• Acid attacks, a horrific form of violence, aim to devastate a person's life, often targeting women. This abhorrent act is frequently fueled by relationship issues, a sad consequence of individuals unable to handle rejection. 
• Such acts pose a significant threat to our societies, demanding collective action for safety. The alarming rise in acid attacks globally underlines the urgent need for social, medical, and legal reforms to combat this menace.

Motives of Acid Attacks

• The motives behind acid attacks are often rooted in personal vendettas, revenge, or misguided attempts to assert power and control over others. 
• Perpetrators resort to this extreme form of violence as a means to inflict lasting physical and psychological harm on their victims. For instance, a rejected suitor may choose to disfigure their love interest out of a twisted sense of retribution.

Consequences Due to Acid Attacks

• The aftermath of acid attacks is devastating, causing severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and lasting scars. 
• Victims endure excruciating pain, disfigurement, and sometimes even permanent disabilities, leading to profound psychological distress and social ostracization. 
• For instance, survivors may face challenges in securing employment or forming relationships due to their altered appearance.

Treatments

• Treating acid attack survivors involves a multidisciplinary approach, including emergency medical care, surgical interventions, psychological support, and rehabilitation services. 
• Medical professionals work tirelessly to minimize scarring, restore function, and help survivors rebuild their lives. 
• Innovative treatments such as skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries offer hope for improving the physical and emotional well-being of survivors.

Prevention

• Preventing acid attacks necessitates a holistic approach encompassing awareness campaigns, stringent regulations on acid sales, and swift legal action against perpetrators. 
• Educating communities about the consequences of acid violence, promoting gender equality, and providing support services for at-risk individuals are crucial steps in preventing such heinous crimes. 
• For example, laws restricting the sale of acid and promoting gender-sensitive education can help curb the incidence of acid attacks.

Laws relating to Acid Attacks in India

• In India, laws related to acid attacks have been strengthened to provide justice to survivors and deter potential offenders. Legal reforms include harsher penalties for perpetrators, fast-track courts for speedy trials, and compensation schemes for survivors. 
• These legislative measures aim to ensure accountability, support survivors in seeking justice, and prevent future incidents of acid violence.
• Combating acid attacks requires a concerted effort from society, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies. By raising awareness, advocating for stricter regulations, and supporting survivors, we can collectively work towards eradicating this barbaric practice. It is imperative for communities to stand united against acid violence and strive for a safer, more inclusive society for all.

Acid Attack Data and Motives

Acid Attack Data

• The latest crime data from the National Crime Bureau (NCRB) in 2018 indicates a concerning trend where acid attack cases often remain stagnant in police files.
• In 2018, Indian courts had 523 acid attack cases scheduled for trial, a notable increase from 407 cases in 2016 and 422 cases in 2017.
• While the total number of registered cases seems to be slightly decreasing annually, the slow disposal rate of cases underscores the inefficiencies in the justice system.
• Acid attacks are a global issue, with the UK having one of the highest per capita rates of such attacks worldwide, as reported by Acid Survivors Trust International.
• Since the 1990s, Bangladesh has consistently reported the highest number of acid attacks on women, with data showing 3512 attacks between 1999 and 2013.
• An alarming 72% of reported attacks in Bangladesh involved female victims, highlighting the disproportionate impact on women.
• India has witnessed a concerning rise in chemical assault cases over the past decade, with 27 reported cases in 2010 alone.

Motives of Acid Attack

• In India, acid attacks are predominantly motivated by issues related to love, sexual abuse, revenge from former partners, extramarital affairs, dowry disputes, illicit activities, property conflicts, and other reasons.
• Criminals perpetrating acid attacks exhibit certain features and behaviors that align with these motives, showcasing a complex interplay of personal vendettas and societal issues.

Effects of Psychological Trauma

• Frustrated: This emotional state arises from unmet expectations, leading to feelings of dejection or hostility. It can result in damaged relationships, betrayal, and aggression.
• Egoistic: Individuals who struggle to form meaningful connections may exhibit extreme behaviors, such as physical violence or aggression.
• Seductive: Individuals may resort to manipulative and inappropriate behavior to fulfill their desires, often resulting in sexual misconduct.

Triggers and Motivations of Acid Attacks

• Acid attacks are frequently used as acts of revenge, particularly against women who reject marriage proposals or unwanted advances.
• Gender inequality and societal dynamics play a significant role in fueling such incidents, alongside disputes over property and inheritance.

Consequences of Acid Attacks

• Victims of acid attacks endure life-altering consequences, including permanent loss of eyesight, severe scarring, and enduring social, psychological, and economic challenges.
• The physical and emotional pain experienced by victims is profound and long-lasting, impacting their quality of life immensely.

Effects of Acid Attacks

• The skull is partially destroyed and hair may be lost.
• Damage to ear cartilage often leads to partial or total deafness.
• Acid damage can cause the nose to shrink, deform, and potentially close off nostrils.
• Lips and cheeks may be destroyed, exposing teeth, leading to difficulties in eating and speaking.
• Victims face risks of sepsis, skin depigmentation, and even fatality.

Psychological Effects

Acid attacks not only result in physical trauma but also deeply impact the psychological well-being of the victims.

• Emotional trauma: Victims often experience intense emotional distress, including fear, anxiety, and depression.
• Self-esteem issues: Due to changes in physical appearance, victims may suffer from low self-esteem and body image concerns.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Many survivors develop PTSD, leading to flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
• Social stigma: Acid attack survivors may face social isolation and discrimination, adding to their psychological burden.

Psychological Impact on Acid Attack Victims

The psychological assessment of acid attack victims, particularly women, is crucial globally to raise awareness and support victims.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: This condition is significantly impactful on individuals who struggle to recover from traumatic experiences. Acid attack victims, especially women, are highly susceptible to developing this disorder. The affected individuals may experience intense fear of the perpetrators, leading to feelings of isolation and animosity towards such heinous acts.
• Frustration: Acid attack survivors often experience frustration as they confront the challenges arising from their tragic circumstances.
• Misandry: This sentiment, commonly observed in women, involves a deep-seated aversion towards men and boys. Victims who develop misandry may feel heightened anger and fear.

Social Implications of Acid Attacks

• Victims, particularly women, face various social challenges post acid attacks.
• Survivors often become reliant on family for daily tasks due to physical and psychological impacts.
• Impaired vision and physical disabilities hinder survivors from securing employment.
• This lack of economic independence creates hardships for their caregivers.

Treatments for Acid Burns

Immediate medical attention is crucial for acid burns. Here are the essential first aid measures:

• Quickly rinse the affected area with plenty of fresh or saline water.
• Continue flushing the burn site with cool water until the pain subsides (approximately 30-45 minutes).
• Remove any jewelry or clothing that came in contact with the acid.
• Avoid applying creams or ointments as they can impede medical treatment.
• If possible, use sterile gauze to loosely cover the area.
• Follow a strict aftercare routine post-hospital treatment, including regular dressing changes.
• Seek counseling as the emotional toll of acid attacks can be significant.

Acid Attacks and Prevention

Milk is often thought to be a remedy for acid burns, but experts advise against using it due to its potential to increase the risk of infections. Although milk is generally alkaline, it can become more acidic as it spoils.

Prevention of Acid Attacks

Various research studies have suggested several measures to address the rising incidents of acid attacks globally. These include:

• Implementation of a mandatory license requirement for all acid traders.
• Prohibition of the sale of concentrated acid in specific areas.
• Establishment of an enhanced monitoring system for acid sales.
• Requirement for buyers to provide all necessary legal documentation when purchasing acid.

Organizations emphasize the necessity of stringent regulations on the acid market due to the prevalent use of easily accessible acids like sulphuric, nitric, and hydrochloric acid in acid attacks. The ease of acquiring such acids has led to calls for tighter control on acid sales.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in combatting acid attacks by advocating for social reform and providing support and rehabilitation services to survivors. They strive to raise awareness and garner support to address the issue effectively.

Laws relating to acid attacks in India

• Previous Law: Historically, there were no specific laws in India addressing acid attacks. Section 326 of the Indian Penal Code, focusing on causing grievous hurt, lacked the necessary provisions to effectively combat acid attacks.
• Introduction of New Sections: The eighteenth Law Commission of India recommended the inclusion of sections 326A and 326B in the Indian Penal Code, along with section 114B in the Indian Evidence Act, to specifically address acid attack crimes.
• Inadequacies of Section 326: Section 326 was limited in scope and failed to comprehensively cover various aspects of acid attacks, such as different types of injuries, the act of perpetrating acid attacks, and the specifics of penalties and fines for offenders.
• Legal Reforms: The Gazette of India, dated 2nd April 2013, introduced the Criminal Law Amendment Act 2013, amending the Indian Penal Code by adding provisions under Chapter II of the amendment bill.

Section 5 of Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2013

• The amendment to Section 326A of the Indian Penal Code deals with severe punishments for causing harm like permanent or partial damage, disfigurement, or burns to a person's body. This includes throwing acid on someone or using any means to cause grievous hurt.

Section 326B - Voluntarily Throwing or Attempting to Throw Acid

• This section addresses the act of throwing acid on a person with the intent to cause harm, deformity, or grievous hurt. The punishment for such actions ranges from 5 to 7 years of imprisonment, along with fines.

Section 307 IPC - Attempt to Murder

• This section pertains to acts done with the intent or knowledge that, if resulting in death, would constitute murder. The offender could face up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines. If the act causes harm to a person, the punishment could be imprisonment for life or as prescribed by law.

The laws regarding acid attacks in India are under scrutiny for their severity. Victims of such attacks often face lifelong consequences, including facial disfigurement. It is crucial to consider these offenses as attempted murder due to the lasting impact they have on the victim.

Case Study 1

• A young girl, around 20 years old, worked in a computer office owned by the accused.
• After the office incurred a loss, she left and found a job at another company.
• The accused pressured her to quit her new job, and when she refused, he threatened her.
• One day, he approached her on a motorcycle, splashed acid on her, causing severe burns.
• The accused was found guilty and sentenced to five years and three months in prison, along with a fine.
• He was also sentenced to two years in prison for another offense under Section 201 IPC.

Case Study 2: The Attacks That Shook A Nation

• Laxmi, a well-known acid attack survivor, was attacked at the age of 15 in 2005.
• She was targeted by a man twice her age for rejecting his advances while returning from a music class.
• The acid attack left her face and body disfigured, requiring multiple surgeries over ten years.
• Despite the physical and mental challenges, Laxmi demonstrated resilience and determination in rebuilding her life.

Evolution of Legal Framework for Acid Attacks in India

• Before 2013, acid attacks in India were not governed by any specific law. Existing provisions under IPC Sections 322, 323, 320, and 326(2) were used to address such crimes, but the compensation awarded to victims often fell short of covering their extensive medical expenses.
• The escalating cases of acid attacks highlighted the critical necessity for a dedicated legislation to address this heinous crime. A landmark legal battle ensued in the case of Laxmi Vs Union of India.
• Supreme Court Ruling: Following the Laxmi case, the Supreme Court of India acknowledged acid attacks and attempted acid attacks as specific crimes under Sections 326A and 326B of the Indian Penal Code. Amendments were made to the Criminal Procedure Code, introducing sections 357A and 357B to ensure appropriate compensation for the victims.
• Statistics of Acid Attacks: The recorded incidents of acid attacks in India surged from 2013 to 2018, shedding light on the urgency of addressing this issue through legal reforms.

Conclusions

The severity of acid attacks is escalating annually, evident from the rising number of reported incidents and the gravity of the offenses. Despite this, there exists a significant gap in the actual number of crimes committed. Implementing stringent controls on drug suppliers and dealers could potentially address these issues. Additionally, imposing severe penalties could serve as a deterrent. Establishing comprehensive victim surveys at the governmental level is imperative.