SC asks govt to frame strict law to tackle acid attacks

 
A bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan said, “It is a serious matter. The government needs to make the amendment to deal it as a serious offence.’’

Advocate Jyoti Mehndiratta appearing for the petitioner Laxmi sought the judicial direction for framing of a new law to deal with acid attack as a special offence.
The petitioner had suggested that free availability of acid in the market should be banned in India.

“Acid bottles are available like eggs or bread. If the availability of acid is not restricted, such attacks will continue,’’ she said, adding that the petition was pending before the court for the past three years.

The high cost of treatment and plastic surgery should also be taken care of by the government, she submitted.

The apex court has asked the government to frame more stringent laws to tackle the acid attack menace.

During the hearing of the public interest litigation filed by a Delhi-based minor girl Laxmi, a victim of acid attack, the bench said, “Stringent regulation is required to curb such crimes in India.’’

The government had said that it was decided that the convict would be handed out minimum 10 years imprisonment to life term and minimum fine of Rs one lakh for the crime.

The states have also suggested adequate compensation upto Rs 2 lakh to the victim, according to the proposal before the Law commission.