ACID ATTACK VICTIMS – THE NEED FOR A HOLISTIC APPROACH

Abstract

Acid attack is a global phenomenon, a crime meant to cause disproportionate harm to the victim. It has a strong tilt towards being a kind of gender violence. It’s very distinctly gruesome nature which is a consequence of an excessively vengeful mindset needs to be given due consideration with a victim-oriented approach. Of late the law relating to acid attack has evolved a lot after the Laxmi case. Nevertheless, lack of a strong legislative law is a lacuna which has resulted in much unease for the human rights lobby, the victims and their near ones. Also, the debate varies from more penalty to more compensation due to different attitudes towards the victim. This article aims at understanding the operation of law and policy relating to acid attacks and the possibility for development in it.