Law on Acid Attacks in India
Legal framework and punishment for acid attack crimes under BNS 2023
Legal Framework for Acid Attacks
India has enacted specific provisions to deal with acid attacks under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which replaced the Indian Penal Code. The Supreme Court and Parliament have both strengthened the law significantly over the years.
Section 124 BNS – Acid Attack
Punishment: Whoever throws or administers acid on any person or attempts to do so, with the intent to cause permanent or partial damage, burn, disfigure, disable, or deform, shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than 10 years, which may extend to life imprisonment, and shall also be liable to fine.
Section 124(2) BNS – Attempt to Commit Acid Attack
Punishment: Imprisonment of not less than 5 years which may extend to 7 years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Key Legal Provisions
Cognizable and Non-Bailable: Acid attack is a cognizable, non-bailable offence – police can arrest without a warrant.
Victim Compensation: Courts must grant compensation to victims for medical expenses and rehabilitation.
Free Medical Treatment: All hospitals (public and private) are mandated to provide free first aid and medical treatment to acid attack victims immediately (Supreme Court order).
Regulation of Acid Sales: Sale of acid is strictly regulated under the Poisons Act and state rules to prevent misuse.
Speedy Trial: Cases of acid attack must be tried on a day-to-day basis and concluded within 2 months.
Role of Laxmi v. Union of India (2014)
The Supreme Court in this landmark judgment issued directions to regulate acid sale, provide victim compensation, and mandatory free treatment. This led to amendments in the IPC (now BNS) that made acid attack a distinct, more severely punishable offence.