Acid attack – lack of implementation of the law

By: Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
Recently in Karnataka a man threw acid at minor girl a 17-year-old for rejecting proposal. Acid attacks are heinous crimes that are unfortunately in news constantly. According to the data of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there were 150 such cases recorded in 2019, 105 in 2020 and 102 in 2021. The charge sheeting rate of acid attacks stood at 83% and the conviction rate at 54% in 2019. In 2020, the figures stood at 86% and 72% respectively. In 2021, the figures were recorded to be 89% and 20% respectively. In 2015, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an advisory to all states to ensure speedy justice in cases of acid attacks by expediting prosecution.
Even though the primary definition of an acid attack is given in the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Law Commission of India has also defined an acid attack, as a form of violence against women where the perpetrator splashes a person or object with acid to deface or kill them.
Such acid attacks have brought the focus back on the need for effective monitoring and regulation. With acids being available in the market, for purposes ranging from painting, use in car batteries, in de-weeding and as floor-cleaning substances, they easily fall in the hands of those who want to wreak vengeance.
Just the regulation of acid sales is, however, not enough. While there are scores of factories manufacturing acid without a licence, illegal sales of the deadly liquid are quite commonplace too. Moreover, the perpetrators of acid attacks, among the most heinous of crimes, deserve the severest punishment. It is necessary to impart and inculcate moral values and streamline the police and prosecuting agencies. Leaders cutting across party affiliations should show the requisite political will, courage and conviction to deal ruthlessly with crimes against women. Instead of preaching always now it is time to awake and do something for ourselves and for society otherwise such incident will be continued and we all here to repent after that. Only holistic education system and moral upliftment can bring the change in the society for this burning gender-sensitive issues. 
In India, acid has often been used as a weapon against women who have turned down advances by men. Acid attacks are seen as one of the most vicious crimes as it causes perpetual suffering to the victim. Perhaps the most dangerous thing about acid attacks is the fear that they create. With just a few rupees, anyone can buy a weapon that can ruin another person’s life in just a few seconds. Part of the reason is that acid is cheap and widely available. Many Indians use concentrated acid to sterilize their kitchens and bathrooms, as Americans would use bleach. There is an immense need to come out with legal measures and medical reforms by our government to help these victims. Men who commit these crimes are usually spurned suitors who want to avenge their rejection. The men should be punished so badly that no one will ever think of attempting to ruin a girl’s life.