Who does the law protect?

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[Trigger Warning: The following content contains information on physical violence which some readers may find disturbing.]

The law on acid attack protects all persons, regardless of their gender. Further, there are no specifications in the law in terms of the age of the survivor. Therefore, an acid attack, whether carried out on a person of any age is punishable under the law.(( Sections 326A and 326B, Indian Penal Code, 1860.)) The law also protects foreigners who are survivors of acid attack if it happens in India.(( Section 2, Indian Penal Code, 1860.))

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How is the sale of acid regulated in India?

The sale of acid in India is governed by two levels of regulatory mechanisms, that is, State level rules and Supreme Court rules.

What is Acid Attack?

An acid attack is the crime of hurting a person by throwing acid on them, administering acid to that person or doing anything with acid with the intention or knowledge that it would harm the person.

What are the offences and punishments under this law?

The crimes relating to acid attacks have been specified under the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Anyone can be punished for the crimes given below regardless of their gender.

What are the rights a person has under this law?

Survivors of acid attacks have the right to seek medical treatment, right to file a complaint and right to compensation.

What are the complaint forums/helplines?

If you are a survivor of acid attack, you can approach the police, NCW, Sub-divisional Magistrate or any of the National Helplines mentioned herein.

How do you file a complaint?

The legal process following an acid attack includes, filing an FIR, police investigation and filing of charge sheet, after which the trial begins.