Supreme Court Highlights Gaps in Compensation and Care for Acid Attack Survivors
The Supreme Court has expressed concern over inadequate compensation and lack of free medical care for acid attack survivors, directing states to address these issues.
Photo by Yara Amaral
त्वरित संशोधन
SC flagged inadequate compensation (minimum ₹3 lakh) and lack of free medical care for acid attack survivors.
Many states are not complying with existing norms.
Court directed states/UTs to submit data.
महत्वपूर्ण तिथियां
महत्वपूर्ण संख्याएं
दृश्य सामग्री
Acid Attack Survivor Support: State-wise Compliance Concerns
This map highlights the widespread concerns raised by the Supreme Court regarding inadequate compensation and lack of free medical treatment for acid attack survivors across various Indian states and Union Territories. The court has directed all states/UTs to submit data, indicating a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents.
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परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Social Justice: Vulnerability of victims, gender-based violence, rehabilitation challenges.
Governance: Implementation gaps in laws and schemes, centre-state cooperation, judicial activism.
Polity: Fundamental Rights (Right to Life and Dignity - Article 21), criminal justice system, legal aid.
Economy: Financial burden on victims, state expenditure on welfare and rehabilitation.
विस्तृत सारांश देखें
सारांश
The Supreme Court has expressed serious concerns regarding the inadequate compensation and lack of free medical treatment for acid attack survivors across the country. The court noted that many states are failing to provide the mandated minimum compensation of ₹3 lakh and are not ensuring free medical care, including reconstructive surgeries.
The bench highlighted that survivors often face immense physical, psychological, and financial burdens, and the current system is failing to provide them with justice and rehabilitation. The court has directed states and Union Territories to submit data on compensation paid and medical care provided, emphasizing the need for a uniform and effective policy to support these vulnerable victims.
पृष्ठभूमि
Acid attacks, a heinous crime causing severe disfigurement and trauma, gained significant public and judicial attention in India, leading to specific amendments in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 2013 (Sections 326A and 326B). The Supreme Court, notably in the Laxmi v.
Union of India case (2013), mandated minimum compensation and regulated acid sales, recognizing the profound physical, psychological, and financial burdens on survivors. The Victim Compensation Scheme (VCS) under Section 357A of the CrPC also includes acid attack victims.
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding acid attack survivors in India: 1. The Supreme Court has mandated a minimum compensation of ₹3 lakh for acid attack survivors. 2. Free medical treatment for survivors, including reconstructive surgeries, is a part of the mandated support. 3. Acid attacks were specifically criminalized in the Indian Penal Code through an amendment in 2013. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
Statement 1 and 2 are correct as per the Supreme Court's directives, reiterated in the news article. The Laxmi v. Union of India case (2013) and subsequent pronouncements mandated these provisions. Statement 3 is also correct; Sections 326A and 326B were inserted into the Indian Penal Code in 2013, specifically criminalizing acid attacks and attempted acid attacks, following the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee.
2. In the context of victim compensation in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Victim Compensation Scheme (VCS) is implemented under Section 357A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. 2. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is responsible for framing the Victim Compensation Scheme for the entire country. 3. The compensation awarded under VCS is independent of the fine imposed on the accused by the court. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1 and 3 only
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
Statement 1 is correct. Section 357A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, provides for the Victim Compensation Scheme. Statement 2 is incorrect. While NALSA provides a model scheme and guidelines, the actual Victim Compensation Schemes are framed and notified by the respective State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) in consultation with the state government. Statement 3 is correct. Compensation under VCS is awarded by the State/District Legal Services Authority, irrespective of whether the accused has been identified, tried, or convicted, or if a fine has been imposed. It is a state-funded welfare measure.
3. Which of the following is NOT a significant challenge faced by acid attack survivors in India, even after receiving initial medical treatment?
- A.Social ostracization and difficulty in reintegration into society.
- B.Long-term psychological trauma requiring continuous counseling.
- C.Lack of access to free legal aid for pursuing criminal cases.
- D.Economic vulnerability due to loss of livelihood and high costs of reconstructive surgeries.
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: C
Options A, B, and D are all significant and well-documented challenges faced by acid attack survivors. Social stigma, profound psychological impact, and severe economic hardship (due to extensive medical costs and inability to work) are major hurdles. Option C is NOT correct because, under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and various NALSA schemes, acid attack survivors (being victims of crime, often women, and falling under vulnerable categories) are generally entitled to free legal aid to pursue their cases, both criminal and civil. The challenge often lies in awareness and accessibility of these services, rather than a complete lack of provision for free legal aid itself.