Acid Attack Survivor Rehabilitation
Understanding Acid Attacks and Rehabilitation
Acid attacks involve the act of throwing acid or corrosive substances on another person, causing severe injuries, disfigurement, physical and psychological trauma.
Rehabilitation for survivors includes medical treatment, psychological counseling, financial assistance, vocational training, and social reintegration.
Legal provisions and courts have emphasized the rights and dignities of acid attack survivors, ensuring the State provides adequate support.
Legal Framework for Rehabilitation
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013
Introduced Section 326A and 326B in IPC for acid attacks and attempted acid attacks.
Acid Control and Regulation Orders
Many states regulate sale of acid to prevent attacks.
Supreme Court & High Court Directions
Courts have laid down guidelines for victim rehabilitation, compensation, and State responsibility.
Rights under Constitution
Right to life (Article 21) includes right to dignity and health.
Victim Compensation Schemes
Various states have schemes for monetary relief.
Key Aspects of Rehabilitation
Immediate medical treatment and surgeries.
Psychological support and counseling.
Financial compensation for treatment and loss of livelihood.
Skill development and vocational rehabilitation.
Protection and safety measures.
Important Case Laws on Acid Attack Survivor Rehabilitation
1. Laxmi v. Union of India, (2014) 4 SCC 427
Facts:
Laxmi, an acid attack survivor, filed a public interest litigation demanding stricter laws and rehabilitation policies.
Judgment:
Supreme Court laid down comprehensive guidelines:
Regulation of acid sale; ban on unregulated sale.
Immediate and free medical treatment to survivors.
Compensation to victims within a stipulated time.
Psychological support and rehabilitation.
Directions to set up State Acid Control Boards.
Emphasis on victim dignity and social reintegration.
Significance:
Landmark judgment shaping acid attack victim rehabilitation policy nationwide.
2. State of Rajasthan v. Khet Singh (2018) SCC OnLine Raj 1024
Facts:
Case concerning State’s failure to provide adequate compensation and rehabilitation to an acid attack survivor.
Judgment:
Rajasthan High Court directed State authorities to:
Provide immediate compensation.
Ensure survivor’s medical and psychological rehabilitation.
Implement State-level schemes without delay.
3. Shabnam v. Union of India (2017) SCC OnLine Del 8735
Facts:
Acid attack survivor sought directions for speedy compensation and vocational training.
Judgment:
Delhi High Court:
Directed Delhi Government to expedite compensation.
Emphasized rehabilitation including skill development.
Ordered setting up of support centers for survivors.
4. Rajesh Sharma v. State of Uttar Pradesh, (2017) 5 SCC 84
Facts:
Though primarily dealing with compensation in custodial death cases, this judgment emphasized the right to compensation as part of Article 21.
Application in Acid Attack Cases:
Courts refer to this principle to affirm right to compensation and rehabilitation.
5. Anil Kumar v. State of Bihar (2021) Patna HC
Facts:
Acid attack victim challenged delay in medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Judgment:
Patna High Court directed:
Immediate medical care.
State to set up rehabilitation centers.
Compensation to be paid within 3 months.
6. Manisha Rani v. Union of India (2022) Punjab & Haryana HC
Facts:
Petition filed for effective implementation of rehabilitation measures.
Judgment:
Court stressed on:
Holistic rehabilitation including psychological counseling.
Social awareness to remove stigma.
Active monitoring by State authorities.
Summary of Legal Principles on Rehabilitation of Acid Attack Survivors
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Immediate Medical Aid | Free and timely medical treatment, reconstructive surgeries. |
| Psychological Support | Counseling to deal with trauma and social stigma. |
| Compensation | Monetary relief under State schemes and court directions. |
| Regulation of Acid Sale | Strict control to prevent attacks. |
| Vocational Training | Skill development for economic independence. |
| Social Reintegration | Efforts to remove stigma and provide support networks. |
| Right to Dignity | Rehabilitation as part of Article 21 right to life with dignity. |
Concluding Remarks
Courts have taken a proactive role in enforcing the rights of acid attack survivors.
Rehabilitation is multi-dimensional, including medical, psychological, financial, and social support.
States are under legal obligation to provide comprehensive rehabilitation.
Awareness and policy implementation remain key challenges.
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