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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