The acquittal of the main accused in a 2009 acid attack case by a Delhi court in December 2025 has once again exposed the deep fault lines in India’s legal response to one of the most brutal forms of gender-based violence. For survivor and activist Shaheen Malik, the verdict marked a painful pause—if not an end—to a 16-year struggle for justice, raising troubling questions about deterrence, investigation quality, and survivor confidence in the justice system.
What the recent verdict reveals
The case concerned a vicious acid attack on a young woman in Panipat in 2009, leading to permanent physical and psychological damage. Despite prolonged trials, repeated surgeries, and sustained advocacy by the survivor, the acquittal highlights how procedural delays, weak investigation, and judicial insensitivity can undermine even the strongest personal battles for accountability. The concern extends beyond one case: it signals to survivors that perseverance may still not yield justice.
Understanding acid attacks as a crime
Acid attacks involve the deliberate use of corrosive substances to disfigure, disable, or kill. The injuries are often catastrophic—burns, blindness, loss of facial features, and lifelong disability. Beyond physical harm, survivors face social stigma, loss of livelihood, and long-term mental health challenges. In India, the crime overwhelmingly targets women, making it a severe manifestation of patriarchal violence and coercive control.
How frequent are acid attacks in India?
According to the “”, 207 acid attacks were officially reported in 2023, along with 65 attempts. States such as West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat account for a significant share. However, experts agree that underreporting is substantial due to fear, stigma, and pressure to settle cases out of court. International studies suggest actual numbers may be several times higher.
Motives and social patterns behind the violence
Research by Acid Survivors Trust International shows that most attacks on women stem from personal relationship conflicts—rejected romantic advances, dowry disputes, or domestic abuse. Attacks on men, though fewer, are more often linked to property or professional rivalries. Easy availability of acid, particularly in industrial belts, further compounds the problem by lowering the threshold for committing the crime.
The legal framework and its promise
A turning point came with the Supreme Court’s judgment in “”, which led to the creation of specific penal provisions for acid attacks. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the offence now attracts a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, extendable to life, along with fines to cover medical costs. The law also mandates free emergency treatment for victims and regulation of acid sales through licensing and identity verification.
Why convictions remain rare
Despite a stronger legal framework, conviction rates are dismal. NCRB data for 2023 show only 16 convictions against 27 acquittals, with hundreds of cases pending trial. Survivors often face hostile investigations, pressure to compromise, delayed compensation, and insensitive courtroom conduct. Regulatory failures—especially in monitoring acid sales—further weaken prevention.
Lessons from Bangladesh’s experience
Bangladesh offers a contrasting model. After enacting stringent laws in 2002 regulating acid sales and fast-tracking trials, and combining them with public awareness campaigns, the country saw a dramatic decline in attacks—from nearly 500 cases annually to double digits by 2024. The comparison underscores the importance of enforcement, not just legislation.
What reforms are urgently needed?
Ending acid attacks requires a system-wide response:
- Strict enforcement of acid sale regulations with accountability for district officials
- Fast-track courts and mandatory timelines for investigation and trial
- Sensitisation of police, prosecutors, and judges to survivor trauma
- Timely and adequate compensation linked to long-term rehabilitation
- Implementation of the Justice J.S. Verma Committee’s recommendation for a national survivor support fund
What to note for Prelims?
- Key provisions on acid attacks under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- Role of NCRB in crime data collection
- Supreme Court guidelines on acid sale regulation
What to note for Mains?
- Reasons for low conviction rates in acid attack cases
- Assessment of India’s legal framework versus implementation gaps
- Comparative lessons from Bangladesh in curbing acid violence
- Need for victim-centric justice and rehabilitation mechanisms
