Women in Indian socitey acid attack is very common in India

1. Women in Indian Socitey
Topic : Acid Attack
By :
Jyoti pandey

2. Acknowledgement :-
I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my teacher
:- Dr. Shikha Sharma mam who gave me the golden opportunity to
do this wonderful project on the topic Acid Throwing ,which also
helped me in doing a lot of research & I came to know about so many
new things I am really thankful to them.
Secondly I would also like to thank my parent & friends who help me
a lot in analising this project within the limited time range .
Finally , a very warm thank you to the Indian Lawyers and social
activists in state offices who have tirelessly advocate for acid attack
survivors in West Bengal , Assam , Bihar , Delhi , Uttar Pradesh &
Maharashtra.

4. Contents :-
 Introduction
 Historical Background of Acid Attack
 Meaning & definition of Acid Attack
 Causes of Acid Attack
 Why Acid attack is common in India ?
 Consequences
 Statistical overview of Acid Attack.
 Acid survivor trust international
 Criminal Law
 Regulation of Acid Sales
 Justice Verma Commitee
 Case related to Acid Attack
 Conclusion
 Reference

5. Introduction :-
Incident of Acid Attacks mostly occurs when a women denies to
be in a relationship with a men . Some men can not handle
rejection of any kind & they take revenge in form of Acid Attack
sometimes Family disputes too result in Acid Attack . The
women are thought to be vulnerable enough to take revenge in
such form , there has also been cases where pretty fights between
couples has resulted in Acid Attack . It is very easy for a criminal
to throw Acid on the face of a women & ran away . Acid is used
in day to day life for cleaning of kitchen , washroom , jawellery
etc. thus it is easily avialable in market at a low cost . The
criminal is successful in hiding his identity by covering his face
during the crime .
Violence against women as a form of patriarchal dominance has
found expression in many ways – sexual abuse , dowry
harassment at workplace , caste violence and so on .

6. Even as women struggle against these , and many more forms of
violence continue , we are faced with yet horrific crime- that of
acid attacks . Acid Attacks are not limited to any caste, class ,
profession , urban/rural area of such categories . As in other cases
of violence against women, men known to the victim/survivor
usually perpetrate acid attacks. The attacker (s) may be a friend
, colleague, employer or husband . Another characteristic feature is
that these attacks are carried out both in private as well as public
spaces. Acid attacks are not random or natural phenomena deeply
rooted in a gender system that is highly patriarchal and establishes
control over women , which is turn justifies the use of violence
against women.
Acid violence has been on the increase all over the world . These
attacks are prevalent wherever there is prevalence of patriarchy .
We have seen this deliberate use of acid on women as instrument
of punishment as a means o exerting control from countries such
as cambodia , Nigeria , China , Malaysia , Afghanistan and
Argentina apart from the indian subcontinent . We see that there is
a systemic nature to the violence that is perpetrated mainly to
silence and control women, where the body is a site of violence .
Whenever a women has acted strong, independent and rejected
the diktats of men.

7. Acid violence needs to be dealt with in a comprehensive
manner while we need to address to individual cases,
there is a urgent need to approach this on a
multipronged level involving both the state as well the
society
On another level, there is a specific need to unite all
the voices that have risen against this heinous form of
violence . Unless there is a united effort to fight against
violence , there will no significant shift towards equal
rights for women , we also recognize that such battles for
equality need to be waged in every sphere where women
face violence to even conceptualize a systemic change .

8. Meaning & definition of Acid
Attack :-
An Acid Attack also called as Acid Throwing . It is a form of violent
assault Involving the act of throwing acid or a similarly corrosive
substance on to the body of another with the intension to this figure
torture or kill the acid throw corrosive liquids at victims, usually at
their faces , burning them and damaging skin tissue , often exposing
and sometimes dissolving the bones acid attack can often lead to
permanent blindness
The most common type of acid used in these attacks are
sulfuric and nitric acid , hydrochloric acid is used but it is much less
damaging aqueous solution of strongly alkaline materials such as
caustic soda are used as well particularly in areas where strong acid
are controlled substances .

9. Historical Background of Acid
Attack :-
Legal , Historical literally and religious writings of all contribute to
understand the unique status of women but in reality , women rarely had
an identity apart from that given to them as wives mothers daughters and
departures from that identity was discouraged . The seeds of violence in
the subordination of females lie in their subjection to male authority and
control. This relationship between the men and women has been
institutionalised in the structure of patriarchal family.
It is defined as the act of throwing acid onto the body of a person with
the objective of injuring or disfiguring out of jealousy or revenge.
Perpetrators of these attacks throw acid at their victims, usually at their
faces, burning them, and damaging skin tissue, often exposing and
sometimes dissolving the bones. The long term consequences of these
attacks include blindness and permanent scarring of the face and body .

11. Causes of Acid Attack :-
Acid throwing, date and gang rape, sexual violence at workplace , female
feticide and forced abortion , honor killing , bride burning and dowry death
are a few crimes against women attracting national and international attention
and focus of the modern world.
Acid attacks are often referred to as a ‘ Crime of Passion ‘ fueled by jealousy
and revenge. Actual cases though , show that they are usually the result of rage
at a women who dares to refuse the advances of a male . One study shows that
the refusal of marriage proposals accounted for 55% of acid assaults, with
abuse from husband / family member 18% , property disputes 11% and
refusal of sexual & romantic advances 2% as other leading causes.
Additionally , the use o acid attacks in dowry arguments has been reported in
Bangladesh with 15 % of cases studied by acid survivors foundation citing
dowry disputes as the motive. The chemical agents most commonly used to
commit these attacks are hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid.
India is the fourth most dangerous place in the world for women to live in as
women belonging to any class , creed & religion can be victims of this cruel
form of violence and disfigurement , a premeditated crime intended to kill or
maim her permanently and act as a lesson to “Put her in her place “.

12. Reason of acid attack

13. Acid attack is a barbaric act and the ratio of these attacks in India cannot be
really underestimated. Dousing a woman’s face with an intention to disfigure it
is just a side of cowardice. The dominating nature of man is not able to accept
the woman who is confident and has the power to challenge the norms of this
patriarchal society and this very reason is a concern that acid attacks are
increasing in India at a rapid rate. The paradigm shift of women from being
submissive towards men to taking a stand for themselves in all matters be it
related to marriage, dowry, child bearing etc. is enough to justify that women
are not mere puppets who will do anything just to appease men. This has
enabled them to fight for their rights and have made women realized that they
too can take a stand for themselves against male chauvinism. This is not the
only reason behind increasing acid attacks in India but the major reason
responsible for worsening scenario in India. The other reasons of acid attack
are vengeance and status jealous, relationship conflict, refusal to sexual
advances, dispute to land and other property, business conflicts etc. Some of
the cases related to acid attack include Sonali Mukherjee’s caseof 2003 in
Jharkhand for protesting against sexual harassment and Muhammad Razaq’s
case in J&K in 2014 throwing acid on his wife for not bringing enough dowry.
Why acid attack is commom in
India ?

14. Consequences :-
 The long term consequences of acid attack is permanent bodily
disfigurement. The life of acid attack victim completely changes in
one day, their loved ones start hating them, society condemns them
for their horrible appearances. Acid attack makes the life of the
person hell and it also affects their social, psychological and
employment opportunities.
 1. Physical Consequences :-
Throwing acid on a person’s face, it rapidly eats the eyes, ears,
nose and mouth. Acid can quickly destroy the eyesight. The
most notable danger for acid victim is breathing problem. The
depth of injury depends on the strength of the acid and
duration of contact with the skin. Acid attack dissolve the bones,
ears, eyes etc.after the acid attack, it is difficult for the victim to
lead a normal life due to their physical deformities.

15. 2. Psychological Consequences :-
Acid attack victim suffer many mental health issues even
after recovery. Acid attack victims has a higher levels of
anxiety, depression due to their appearances.
3. Medical Consequences :-
Medical effects of acid attack are extensive. As the majority of
acid attacks are aimed at the face, several articles thoroughly
reviewed the medical implications for these victims.
4. Social Consequences :-
Most of the acid attack victims are being ignored by the society,
relatives and even their family members. They feel isolated and
lonely. It is very difficult for them to survive in the society.

16. Statistical overview 0f acid
attack :-
 Acid attacks are carried out because of biased attitudes. There
is no national database to statistically track cases of acid
violence. To stand up against acid violence on perpetuate basis,
reliable statistics are necessary. Based on research conducted by
Acid Survivors Foundation India, estimates vary from 500 to
1000 cases in a year. In India, there are 28 states and 7 union
territories, it gives a figure of about 350 cases per year,
excluding unreported incidents. These unrevealed reasons need
to be addressed if acid attack and other forms of violence
against women and girls are to be challenged and eradicated.
According to Law Commission of India, 174 cases of acid attack
were reported in India in 2000. 35 cases of acid attack were
reported in Karnataka between 1999 and 2004. According to
National Crime Records Bureau, 222 cases were reported in
2015. The percentage of Acid Attack has been increased
gradually.

19. Today Scenario In National level
:-
Today, acid attacks are reported in many parts of the world. Since
1990s, Bangladesh has been reporting the highest number of
attacks and highest incidence rates for women with 3,512
Bangladeshi people acid attacked between 1999 and 2013. India is
also now on high altering of acid attack after the case of Lakshmi.
In 2000 in India there were 174 cases of acid attack but now it has
taken a sudden rise. However, Bangladesh is the country which
has highest number of cases in acid attack.

21. Today Scenario In International level
:-

22. Acid survivour trust international
:-
ASTI is the only organization whose sole purpose is to work to
end the violence of acid attack across the world. ASTI was
founded recognizing the need for local knowledge and expertise
in order to stand up against acid attack effectively. ASTI
continues to support the development of six organizations in
Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan, Nepal, Uganda and India. It
also works with the UN agencies, NGOs and strategic partner
from across the world to increase awareness of acid violence
and develop effectively.
Criminal law :-
The Criminal Law( Amendment) Bill, 2013 was passed by Lok Sabha
on 19th March, 2013 and by Rajya Sabha on 21 March, 2013 which
provides for amendment of Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act and
Code of Criminal Procedure,1973 on laws related to sexual offences and
other offences.

23. The Bill received Presidential assent on 2nd April, 2013 and
deemed to come in force from 3rd February, 2013. It was originally
an ordinance promulgated by President of India, Pranab
Mukherjee on 3rd February, 2013 in the light of the protestin 2012
Delhi Gang rape case.[34] By virtue of Criminal Law (Amendment)
Act, 2013 Section 326A and Section 326B were inserted in the
Indian Penal Code providing punishment for acid attack and
attempted acid attack. The offence is registered under Section 320,
322, 325, 326 and 307 of IPC
The guidelines for the sale and purchase of acid has been made
difficult by government with the issuance of government licenses and
the purchase can only be done by people above 18 years of age. The
State and Union territories have made acid attacks non- bailable
offence with requisite rules under the Poison Act of 1919.
Regulation of acid sales :-

24. Prevention Of Acid Attacks And
Rehabilitation Of Acid Attack Victims Bill,
2017 :-
This bill was enacted to provide for prevention of acid attacks by regulation of sale,
supply and use of acid or other measures and rehabilitation of women attacks and
matter connected therewith. According to this bill no person shall be allowed to sale or
deliver or transport acid without keeping a record of his proper identity, quantity of
acid and the purpose for which the acid is to be used. The Bill proposes to make the
following provisions[37]-
1. To provide for classification of acid on the basis of its intensity and concentration and
to prevent sale of acid of higher concentration for day-to-day purposes;
2. To provide that acid shall not be sold without verifying identity of the buyer and the
purpose of its use;
3. To provide that proper records of stock, sales etc. of acid shall be maintained by
dealers;
4. To make unregulated sale of acid is an offence punishable with six months
imprisonment and fine;
5. To provide that acid attack victims shall be treated as persons with disabilities for the
purposes of availing benefits under various schemes of the Governments, including
employment under the Central Government, State Governments or bodies thereunder;

25. 6. To increase the maximum quantum of punishment for acid attack
under section 326B of the IPC to imprisonment for ten years;
7. To stipulate the minimum amount of compensation for acid attack
victims as ten lakh in cases of grievous hurt and three lakh in other
cases or such higher amount as may be specified;
8. To provide monthly allowance to certain victims of acid attacks;
and
9. To provide that any reconstructive cosmetic surgeries shall be
treated as medical treatment in case of acid attack victims.

26. Case related :-
As the crime of acid attack has increased from past, so to put a stop to
the growing number of acid attacks the Supreme Court has put ban
on selling acid.
Case I :- (acid survivour)
Laxmi of 22 years old, who was an acid
attack survivor was waiting for a bus in
Delhi’s tony Khan Market in 2005, when two
men poured acid on her after she refused to
marry one of them, leaving her disfigured.
Though the victim and her parents were
poor they were fortunately helped by a
benefactor who bore the medical expenses
approximating to Rs. 2.5 Lakhs. However,
even after 4 plastic surgeries the victim’s
physical appearance remains horrific and
many more surgeries would be required to
make her physical appearance a semblance
of what it was. The victim can of course
never look as she did before the attack.

28. Conclusion :-
An acid attack has long-lasting consequences on the life of
the victim who faces perpetual torture, permanent damage
and other problems for the rest of her life. Their living life
becomes like a gutter; they become too traumatized and
embarrassed to walk out of their house and carry out simple
tasks let alone get married, have children, get a job, go to
school, etc. Even if they are willing to pursue a normal life,
there is no guarantee that society itself will treat them as
normal human beings given their appearance and disabilities
after an attack. They may not be able to work, or be able to
find a job, and thus perpetually struggle to survive.
Therefore, to curb attacks on women harsh punishment
should be given to person so that they feel the same as the
victim feels.
The Crime of an Acid attack is not on a small range, day by
day the crime of acid attack is increasing so instead of
making such useless law the government should take
appropriate action which actual will help the victim.

29. Reference :-
www.ipledge./acid-attack.com
www.legealservice.com
www.slideshare,com
www.google.com

30. Thank you…..