Protection from Acid Attacks: The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act (2013)

The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 is an amendment to the Indian Penal Code, 1860, that introduced several new provisions to deal with various forms of sexual violence against women, including acid attacks.

 Here are some key provisions of the Act:

Definition of Acid Attack: The Act defines acid attack as the throwing or administering of acid or any other corrosive substance on a person, resulting in burn injuries or disfigurement of face or body parts.

Punishment: The Act provides for a minimum punishment of ten years, which can be extended to life imprisonment for acid attacks. The person who commits the offense is also liable to pay compensation to the victim.

Registration of Acid Sellers: The Act mandates the registration of all acid sellers with the police, and prohibits the sale of acid to anyone under the age of 18 years. The seller is required to maintain a record of sales and submit it to the local police station.

Compensation and Rehabilitation: The Act provides for the compensation of acid attack victims from the government's Victim Compensation Fund. The government is also required to provide free medical treatment, including plastic surgery and psychiatric treatment, to the victim.

Protection of Witnesses: The Act provides for the protection of witnesses and victims, including the right to be heard before the trial and the right to have legal representation during the trial.

Fast Track Courts: The Act provides for the establishment of special fast-track courts to deal with cases of sexual violence against women, including acid attacks.

Awareness and Prevention: The Act mandates the central and state governments to take measures to create awareness about the heinous nature of acid attacks and to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.

Overall, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, aims to provide stricter punishment for acid attackers, to regulate the sale of acid, and to ensure speedy justice and rehabilitation for acid attack victims.

The Act seeks to create a deterrent effect on those who intend to commit such heinous crimes against women.

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