Criminal Liability For Acid Attacks In Domestic, Workplace, And Public Areas

11 Oct 2025 --
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1. Laxmi v. Union of India (2014) – India

Law Involved: Criminal law, IPC Sections 326A & 326B (Acid attack), IPC Section 307 (Attempt to Murder), Acid Control Laws

Facts:

Laxmi, a young woman, was attacked with acid by a stranger who harbored a personal grudge. The attack caused severe facial burns and permanent disfigurement. The accused was apprehended soon after.

Judgment:

The Supreme Court recognized the horrific nature of acid attacks and emphasized:

Life imprisonment is appropriate in cases causing grievous harm.

Victims are entitled to medical treatment, rehabilitation, and compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme.

The judgment also highlighted the need for strict regulation of acid sales to prevent misuse.

Significance:

This landmark judgment strengthened enforcement of Sections 326A and 326B IPC, holding perpetrators fully criminally liable, even if the attack was premeditated and the intent to kill was absent. It also established state responsibility for rehabilitation and support.

2. State of Punjab v. Gurpreet Singh (2015) – India

Law Involved: IPC Sections 307, 326A, 326B

Facts:

Gurpreet Singh attacked his colleague in a workplace dispute by throwing acid on her face. The attack caused severe burns and impaired vision in one eye.

Judgment:

The court convicted Gurpreet under Section 326A (causing grievous hurt by acid) and Section 307 (attempt to murder). The conviction emphasized:

Intent can be inferred from premeditation (bringing acid to the scene).

Even a workplace conflict that escalates to acid violence carries maximum penal consequences.

Compensation for medical treatment and emotional trauma was mandated.

Significance:

This case illustrates criminal liability in workplace-related acid attacks, highlighting the courts’ zero-tolerance approach toward occupational violence escalating into acid assaults.

3. Shah Alam v. State (2008) – Bangladesh

Law Involved: Acid Crimes Prevention Act, 2002 (Bangladesh)

Facts:

Shah Alam attacked his former girlfriend in a public place with acid after she refused his marriage proposal. The attack caused permanent disfigurement and hospitalization.

Judgment:

The Dhaka Sessions Court convicted Shah Alam under the Acid Crimes Prevention Act and IPC Section 326A equivalent. He received life imprisonment and was required to pay substantial compensation to the victim.

Significance:

This case highlights criminal liability in public-area acid attacks, reinforcing that prevention and punishment laws are strict and enforceable, especially when motivated by personal vendetta or rejection.

4. Rupan Deol Bajaj v. KPS Gill (1995) – India (Workplace/Institutional Context)

Law Involved: IPC Section 326A/IPC Section 307, Sexual Harassment, Tort Law

Facts:

Although the case primarily addressed sexual harassment, the Supreme Court’s commentary on workplace violence cited that acid attacks in professional settings are treated as aggravated crimes with severe criminal and civil liability.

Judgment/Significance:

Acid attacks in workplaces are aggravated by abuse of authority or trust.

Courts often combine criminal liability (IPC) with civil damages for physical and psychological harm.

This case is frequently cited in workplace safety guidelines and institutional liability for preventing acid attacks.

5. Ayesha v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2016) – India (Domestic Context)

Law Involved: IPC Sections 326A, 307, 498A (Cruelty by Husband/Family)

Facts:

Ayesha was attacked with acid by her husband after prolonged domestic abuse. The attack occurred inside her home, causing facial disfigurement and partial loss of sight.

Judgment:

The court convicted the husband under:

Section 326A for causing grievous hurt with acid.

Section 307 for attempt to murder.

Section 498A for domestic cruelty.

The husband received life imprisonment and a significant fine to cover medical and psychological rehabilitation.

Significance:

Establishes criminal liability in domestic acid attacks.

Confirms that domestic relationships do not shield perpetrators from severe punishment.

Courts actively integrate domestic violence laws with acid attack statutes.

6. Md. Shafiq v. State of Bangladesh (2012) – Public Area Attack

Law Involved: Acid Crimes Prevention Act, 2002; IPC Sections 326A/B

Facts:

Md. Shafiq attacked a woman activist during a political rally by throwing acid to intimidate her. Several bystanders were also injured.

Judgment:

The court held that:

Acid attacks intended to terrorize or intimidate the public are punishable under capital-level penalties, including life imprisonment.

Compensation and medical care must be provided promptly.

Pre-planning and public danger aggravate sentencing, even if only one victim is directly targeted.

Significance:

Demonstrates liability for acid attacks in public or political contexts.

Courts treat public safety considerations seriously, not just individual harm.

Key Takeaways Across Contexts

Context	Legal Provisions	Liability	Key Judicial Observations
Domestic	IPC 326A, 326B, 307, 498A	Life imprisonment + fine	Domestic relationships don’t reduce liability; integrated with domestic violence laws
Workplace	IPC 326A, 307	Life imprisonment + compensation	Abuse of authority/aggravated intent increases sentencing
Public Areas	Acid Crimes Prevention Act / IPC 326A/B	Life imprisonment + compensation	Endangers bystanders; intent to terrorize increases severity
All contexts	Regulations on acid sale	Criminal intent inferred from possession & planning	Courts enforce strict liability; rehabilitation & victim compensation emphasized