225 cases within 2 years; how free is the “Right to Freedom” for a girl when Acid attacks not considered ‘Heinous Crime’

7 January 2015, New Delhi

‘Acid Attacks’ a ruthless crime, engraving its roots deeper in India and the lenient laws are incapable to protect the innocent girls, who are predominantly targeted. At least 72% victims are young women between the age group of 17 to 30 years in the country. With 1500 cases taking place worldwide every year, often snatches victims’ liveliness and leave them with no other option but to live in isolation, more like a ‘living dead’.

Laws meant to ensure women safety are much in number but their loopholes lead to elevated crime rate as the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) noted, total number of acid attack cases reported between 2010 -2012 is 225 but campaigner claims it to be much higher. NCRB also reported 309,546 crimes against women in 2013 against 244,270 in 2012 which actually shows how safe our women are!

The government has instrumented law against the acid attacks but it doesn’t seem to be working or it lacks enforcement. Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 326(A and B) has been enacted by Indian Government to ensure apt punishment for acid attacks and keep a close check on open selling of acids. Despite these laws, acids are freely available in the market for miscreants giving surge to this evil crime, distorting innocent lives.

Despite innocent lives are scorching every year, India is still thinking to put acid attacks in the category of ‘heinous crimes’ but on the contrary, an under developed country like Bangladesh acknowledged the gravity of the issue and introduced death penalty for this atrocious crime. It gave noticeable results too with less than 75 cases last year in comparison to 492 attacks in 2002. Even Pakistan had introduced a minimum 14 years jail sentence and fine of one million rupees for convicts in 2011.

The victims with severe deformities have to undergo number of surgeries which amounts close to 40-50 lakh whereas the Indian government endorse the traumatized victim by providing a mere ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh, which is not at all adequate. In a poverty ridden country like India, many victims can’t even think of cosmetic surgeries to get a normal life.

In a democracy like India, where every citizen enjoys the right to freedom, how free actually women feel when crime against a woman is committed every three minutes. A helpline in New Delhi received 56 complaints of acid attacks in the first quarter of 2013, which shows its expanding grasp in the society.

ALL Ladies League proposes that extensive reform in the law and order is needed to curb this evil crime which deteriorates a woman’s being internally as well externally. Government must put it in the category of ‘Heinous Crimes’ to ensure a woman too enjoys the ‘right to freedom’ in the most dignified manner. The Government should focus on rehabilitation of traumatized victims through employment, education and adequate medical care whereas the meager compensation needs to be increased. Victims should get benefits like monthly pension, concessions on public transport and reservations in higher education and jobs to support their lives. Such heinous crime must be placed under Non-Bailable offence along with death penalty for the culprits who blatantly ruin innocent lives.