State pushes for acid attack Act

The state government on Tuesday sent recommendations to the Centre asking for amendments to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and to bring about a “Prevention of Offences by Acids Act.”

After a review meeting conducted by the state home minister, Ms P. Sabita Indra Reddy, it was decided to put pressure on the Centre to see that the Act, which has been pending for the last few years, is brought in.

Ms Reddy said: “We have asked for the amendment of Section 326 of the IPC to make acid attack offences more severely punishable. As per the Act the accused will be fined Rs 2 lakh. As initial compensation, the state government’s women and child welfare department will provide Rs 50,000.”

After the amendments, Section 326A shall be inserted in connection to acid attacks where the accused shall get a minimum of 10 years which may extend to a life term and a fine of Rs 2 lakh which may extend to Rs 5 lakh.

Section 326 B shall be inserted that will deal with attempt or intention to attack and will be punishable for not less than seven years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

Victims’ assistance funds and monitoring committees will be formed at national and state levels.

Ms Reddy said: “The government could not impose a ban on acid sales as it would affect several industries. We have to regulate the sales through other means. The victims will be treated at private hospitals. We are also planning to give pensions to the victims in the handicapped category. The proposal of establishing fast track courts is also being looked into.”

The Indian Penal Code only mentions corrosive substances under Section 326 IPC and the accused can be punished for life in certain conditions or the imprisonment may extend to 10 years but there is no mention of acid attack.

The Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, will be speaking to the Union home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, to push for the amendment.