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Acid Attack Justice: A 16-Year Fight Ends in Acquittal
4 Jan
Summary
- Survivor's 16-year legal battle for justice ended with acquittal of accused.
- Acid attacks remain a severe issue with low conviction rates nationwide.
- Stricter laws and better implementation are crucial for survivor support.
In a devastating turn of events, a Delhi court acquitted the three main accused in a 2009 acid attack case on December 24, 2025, concluding social activist Shaheen Malik's 16-year battle for justice. Ms. Malik, who endured 25 surgeries after being attacked in 2009, plans to appeal but fears the verdict will deter other survivors.
This case spotlights the stark reality for acid attack survivors in India. In 2023, a mere 16 convictions were secured out of 703 acid attack cases in courts, with 27 acquittals. Such attacks, often gender-based, result in excruciating pain and lifelong disfigurement, with motives frequently stemming from rejected advances.
Legal reforms, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita's Section 124, mandate severe punishment but face implementation challenges. Survivors call for stricter regulation of acid sales, judicial sensitization, fast-track courts, and comprehensive support, emphasizing the need for swift compensation and lifelong rehabilitation.
