How does this explainer help the user?
[Trigger Warning: The following content contains information on physical violence which some readers may find disturbing.]
This explainer seeks to lay down the legal provisions relating to the rights of acid attack survivors. It also explains the obligations of the state government towards survivors as well as the obligations of government and private hospitals to provide acid attack survivors immediate and necessary medical treatment. This explainer also lays down the law on acid attack and the role of private actors, such as shopkeepers, with regards to the sale of acid. This will help users understand the medical as well as legal processes in situations of acid attack.
What are the laws being discussed?
The explainer discusses the legal provisions in the Indian Penal Code, 1860 for the prosecution and punishment of a person committing an acid attack. It also analyses the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 that place an obligation for all hospitals to treat acid attack survivors. The explainer further discusses the Scheme for Relief and Rehabilitation of Offences (by Acids) on Women and Children, 2009, which mandatorily provides the survivor with the requisite medical, social, and psychological treatment.
To learn more on information on schemes indifferent states for survivors of violence, contact details of one-stop centres, protection officers and helpline numbers, check out the Nyaaya Map on State-wise Resources and Schemes to End Violence against Women.