Acid Attack Survivor Secures Rs 8 Lakh Compensation Following 15-Year Legal Struggle
In a landmark case highlighting the prolonged fight for justice, an acid attack survivor identified as Saleema has finally received compensation totaling Rs 8 lakh, fifteen years after the horrific assault. This includes Rs 5 lakh in recent compensation and Rs 3 lakh in interim relief granted back in 2012. The journey to this moment has been arduous, marked by immense physical, emotional, and financial suffering.
The Brutal Attack and Its Devastating Aftermath
On June 24, 2010, Saleema's life changed forever. Hoping to rebuild her life after separating from her husband, she visited a friend in north Delhi. Tragically, her husband arrived at the location, launching into verbal abuse and physical assault. When her friend attempted to intervene, the assailant pulled a bottle from his pocket and hurled its corrosive contents at Saleema.
In mere seconds, she experienced what she describes as a "fire that wouldn't stop," as the acid ravaged nearly 25% of her body. The attack caused severe damage to half of her right scalp and face, with extensive burns covering her chest and both arms. For months afterward, even the simple act of wearing clothing inflicted unbearable pain.
A Long Road of Medical Treatment and Financial Hardship
Hospitals became a second home for Saleema as she underwent multiple reconstructive surgeries. Coming from an economically disadvantaged background, the medical expenses quickly became an overwhelming burden, ultimately costing her at least Rs 10 lakh. While a sessions court later sentenced her husband to ten years in prison, this legal victory did not translate into immediate relief or financial stability for Saleema.
Unaware of existing victim compensation schemes, she continued to struggle until 2015, when a pivotal connection was made with Shaheen Malik, founder of the Brave Souls Foundation and herself an acid attack survivor. With Malik's guidance and support, Saleema began the complex process of fighting for the compensation she rightfully deserved.
The Legal Battle for Justice and Compensation
Saleema's case was bolstered by the Supreme Court's directives in the Parivartan Kendra vs Union of India (2016) case, which established that compensation must accurately reflect the severity of injuries suffered by victims. After submitting multiple applications, a writ petition was filed before the Delhi High Court in 2017. The court directed her to approach the Delhi Legal Services Authority, initiating years of persistent representations, exhaustive paperwork, and anxious waiting.
"I almost gave up hope that I would ever receive this compensation," Saleema revealed. "Now that it finally came, I feel that some of my life's struggles will ease a little." The compensation provides a crucial opportunity to afford further necessary surgeries and ongoing medical treatment.
Building a New Life and Continuing the Fight
Today, Saleema stitches clothes to support herself and her daughter, who was just seven years old at the time of the attack. With continued assistance from the Brave Souls Foundation, she is also pursuing an additional Rs 1 lakh in compensation under the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) scheme. Shaheen Malik, reflecting on the outcome, characterized it as a relief rather than a total victory, noting that the compensation offers Saleema and her daughter a brief yet vital window of stability and hope for the future.
