A separate legislation for the rehabilitation of acid attack victims, an exclusive board to render assistance in their rehabilitation, and amendments in the CrPC and IPC to deal with the penal aspects in cases of acid attacks - these were some of the suggestions put forth at a seminar on Protection to Victims of Acid Attacks.

The seminar, organised by the National Commission for Women in Bangalore on Saturday, witnessed a debate on the draft bill — Prevention of Offences by Acids Act 2008 — prepared by the Commission.
The speakers underlined the need for stringent laws to punish those who throw acid and regulate the sale of acids. They also suggested hassle-free rehabilitation of the victims.

K R Srinivasan, State DGP, said that punishment should be severe to those who throw acid and destroy others, physically and psychologically. Fast track courts should be set up to deal with acid attack cases and settle them within a time-frame. The accused should not be granted bail till case is settled, he said.

Reacting to a suggestion from a participant, the DGP said that if the Women’s Commission wants police officers of the rank of DySP to investigate acid attack cases, then his department would welcome the same.

Kirti Singh, member, Law Commission, said that acid attack victims go through an unparalleled degree of pain.

“Those who commit the crime are booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, and there is confusion regarding the degree of punishment. Hence, there should be a specific section to award sentences to those who permanently destroy the lives of women by throwing acid on them. However, framing new laws and stringent Acts are not a solution - it is the effective implementation of the law and preventive measures that would help in curbing this heinous crime,” she added.

Shalini Rajneesh, chairperson, Karnataka Women’s Commission, said that only psychopaths can throw acid at women, so prevention of acid attacks is related to treating the psychic disorder too.

“An acid attack is nothing less than a murder. Severe punishment is a deterrent to the heinous crime of throwing acid. There should be a single window agency from the government’s side to rehabilitate victims,” Shalini Rajneesh said.

Acid victims Haseena and Shanti recounted the agony they have been undergoing after the attacks. Haseena said that from the last nine years, she has not been able to get proper rehabilitation, while Shanti said her husband, who threw acid on her, faced just six years’ of imprisonment. “Today he is a free man, while I struggle to make a living with my two children,” she pointed out.

Suggestions
*The proposed law should also cover attempts/threats regarding acid attacks
*Minimum punishment for criminals should be 10 yrs & fine up to Rs 1 lakh
*Fine & compensation amount should be decided by victim
*Regulate sale & manufacturing of acid/corrosive susbtance
*State-level bodies to to be set up to implement the proposed law