In a landmark case that highlights the prolonged struggle for justice faced by acid attack survivors, a victim from Uttar Pradesh has finally received compensation after an agonizing wait of 28 years. The survivor, whose life was irrevocably altered by the brutal attack, was granted ₹5 lakh in relief—a amount that activists and support organizations describe as grossly inadequate for a lifetime of medical expenses and trauma.
Three Decades of Waiting
The journey to this moment has been nothing short of harrowing for the survivor. For nearly three decades, she navigated the complex legal system while dealing with the physical and psychological scars of the attack. The recent compensation comes as a bittersweet victory, arriving after what many would consider an unreasonably long delay in the delivery of justice.
NGO Steps In for Fair Compensation
Recognizing the inadequacy of the current relief amount, a prominent Non-Governmental Organization has announced its intention to approach the High Court seeking enhanced compensation of ₹50 lakh. This substantial increase reflects the actual costs incurred by acid attack survivors, including multiple surgeries, ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and loss of livelihood.
The Reality of Acid Attack Survival
Acid attacks represent one of the most brutal forms of violence, typically causing severe physical disfigurement, permanent disability, and profound psychological trauma. Survivors often require numerous reconstructive surgeries, specialized medical care, and lifelong support—expenses that far exceed the compensation typically awarded by courts.
A Larger Pattern of Delayed Justice
This case sheds light on a disturbing trend within the Indian judicial system where victims of violent crimes face extended legal battles to receive compensation. The 28-year timeline from attack to compensation raises serious questions about the efficiency of legal mechanisms designed to protect and support victims of gender-based violence.
The Road Ahead
As the NGO prepares its High Court petition, this case has become a symbol of the broader struggle for adequate victim compensation in India. The outcome could set a significant precedent for how the judicial system values the suffering and needs of acid attack survivors moving forward.
Legal experts suggest that enhanced compensation amounts and streamlined processes are crucial to ensuring that survivors receive timely support that truly reflects the lifelong impact of such devastating attacks.
