SC: Acid Attackers' Assets to Be Seized, Auctioned for Victims
Supreme Court orders asset seizure and auction for acid attack victim compensation.
Photo by Daniel Gorozpe
Key Facts
SC: Assets of acid attackers to be seized and auctioned
UP: Highest pending acid attack cases - 198
West Bengal: 160 pending acid attack cases
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Social Justice, Government Policies and Interventions
GS Paper IV: Ethics, Human Values
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, case study
Visual Insights
Acid Attack Cases Pending in High Courts (2026)
Shows the states with the highest number of pending acid attack cases, based on reports from 15 High Courts. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number (198), followed by West Bengal (160).
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More Information
Background
The use of acid as a weapon has a long and disturbing history, though its prevalence has increased in recent decades. While specific historical data on acid attacks is limited, the practice is believed to have emerged as a means of inflicting severe physical and psychological harm, often rooted in gender-based violence and disputes over dowry, land, or relationships. The lack of specific laws addressing acid attacks historically allowed perpetrators to escape with lenient punishments, contributing to a culture of impunity.
Over time, advocacy groups and legal reforms have pushed for stricter laws and greater awareness of the issue, leading to the recognition of acid attacks as a distinct and heinous crime requiring specialized legal and judicial responses. The evolution of legal frameworks reflects a growing understanding of the unique challenges faced by acid attack survivors and the need for comprehensive support and justice.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on rehabilitation and support for acid attack survivors, including access to medical care, counseling, and vocational training. Several NGOs and government initiatives have been launched to provide comprehensive assistance to survivors, helping them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. The Supreme Court's recent directive to seize and auction the assets of convicted acid attackers marks a significant step towards ensuring that victims receive adequate compensation and justice.
Looking ahead, there is a need for greater awareness campaigns to prevent acid attacks, as well as continued efforts to strengthen legal frameworks and support systems for survivors. The focus is shifting towards a more holistic approach that addresses both the immediate needs of survivors and the underlying causes of acid violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main point of the Supreme Court's recent order regarding acid attack cases?
The Supreme Court has ordered that the assets of individuals convicted of acid attacks should be seized and auctioned to compensate the victims.
2. For the UPSC Prelims, what key facts should I remember about acid attack cases and the Supreme Court's order?
Remember that the Supreme Court has ordered the seizure and auction of assets of convicted acid attackers. Also, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of pending acid attack cases (198), followed by West Bengal (160).
Exam Tip
Focus on the states with the highest number of pending cases and the SC's directive on asset seizure.
3. What is the rationale behind the Supreme Court's decision to seize and auction the assets of acid attackers?
The Supreme Court believes that acid attacks warrant extraordinary punitive measures beyond existing laws. A reformative approach is deemed unsuitable for such attackers, and compensating victims is a priority.
4. How might the Supreme Court's order impact acid attack survivors?
This order could provide acid attack survivors with much-needed financial compensation, aiding in their medical treatment, rehabilitation, and overall well-being. It also sends a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated.
5. What legislative interventions are being considered for acid attack survivors, as mentioned in the article?
The Centre has been asked to consider legislative interventions on behalf of acid attack survivors. The specifics of these interventions are not detailed in the provided information.
6. What is the historical context of acid attacks, and why is this relevant to the current situation?
Acid attacks have a long and disturbing history, often rooted in gender-based violence and disputes. Understanding this history helps contextualize the severity of the issue and the need for stringent measures.
7. What are the key issues highlighted by the high number of pending acid attack cases in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal?
The high number of pending cases suggests potential issues with the efficiency of the judicial system, investigation processes, and support systems for victims in these states. It also indicates a possible higher prevalence of such crimes in these regions.
8. What are some related concepts to acid attacks that are important for UPSC preparation?
Related concepts include Article 21 (Right to Life), victim compensation schemes, gender-based violence, and criminal justice reforms. Understanding these concepts provides a broader perspective on the issue.
9. Why is the Supreme Court emphasizing extraordinary punitive measures for acid attackers?
The Supreme Court emphasizes extraordinary measures because acid attacks are considered heinous crimes that inflict severe physical and psychological trauma on victims. The court believes that existing laws may not adequately address the severity of these crimes.
10. What details are the police required to submit along with the chargesheet, according to the Supreme Court's directive?
The police are directed to investigate the assets of the accused, including to whom they belong, and submit these details along with the chargesheet.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding acid attacks in India: 1. There was no specific law addressing acid attacks until the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013. 2. The Supreme Court has the power to directly monitor the progress of investigations in acid attack cases. 3. Uttar Pradesh currently has the highest number of pending acid attack cases among all Indian states. 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
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is CORRECT: Before 2013, acid attacks were prosecuted under general provisions of the Indian Penal Code, such as Section 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means). The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 introduced specific sections (326A and 326B) to address acid attacks. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Supreme Court has actively monitored acid attack cases, issuing directives to ensure speedy investigations and trials. This includes direct monitoring of the progress of investigations. Statement 3 is CORRECT: As per recent reports, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of pending acid attack cases, followed by West Bengal.
2. Which of the following provisions was introduced by the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, specifically to address acid attacks?
- A.Section 302A of the Indian Penal Code
- B.Sections 326A and 326B of the Indian Penal Code
- C.Section 376D of the Indian Penal Code
- D.Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 introduced Sections 326A and 326B of the Indian Penal Code to specifically address acid attacks. Section 326A deals with voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid, while Section 326B deals with voluntarily throwing or attempting to throw acid.
3. Assertion (A): Acid attacks warrant extraordinary punitive measures beyond the existing laws. Reason (R): A reformative approach is unsuitable for individuals who commit acid attacks due to the heinous nature of the crime. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true, but R is false
- D.A is false, but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true. The Supreme Court's recommendation to seize and auction assets of acid attackers reflects the belief that extraordinary punitive measures are necessary. The reason provided, that a reformative approach is unsuitable due to the heinous nature of the crime, correctly explains why such measures are being considered.
Source Articles
Girl attacked: accused bought acid online, scanned several sites - The Hindu
Acid attack victims failed by lack of a cohesive law, legal process - The Hindu
Where does India stand on acid attacks? | Explained - The Hindu
Attack on schoolgirl: Accused bought acid online, scanned several websites, say police - The Hindu
Survivors, activists allege violation of SC rule on over-the-counter acid sale - The Hindu