Acid-Based Violence Against Women In India And Mechanisms To Curb It

KK Sinduja Shankar, BA.LLB (2016), OP Jindal Global University, Advocate at High Court of Telangana

ABSTRACT

In this article, I will examine the reasons behind large-scale acid attacks being perpetrated against women in India. I will further describe the physical, psychological, social, and economic effects it can have on women. Acid attack survivors face ridicule and are ostracised from society. They have to constantly face stigma throughout their lives and they are not accepted in society unless they undertake cosmetic treatment. There is poor implementation of laws curtailing acid attacks and these attacks continue to take place despite banning over-the-counter sale of acid.

Even though compensation is provided to these victims, it still does not address the after-effects of acid attacks and the mental and psychological trauma which the victim has to undergo. I will also examine landmark Supreme Court cases that discuss the rights of acid attack victims. Lastly, I will come up with solutions that can be used to improve the status of acid attack survivors by addressing the loopholes in the law framed to compensate and rehabilitate such victims and how these women can be better reinstated in society.