Time limit for acid attack trials

New Delhi: With acid attacks on the rise, the Centre will  soon fix a time-frame for the investigation and trial of such cases and ensure maximum punishment to the guilty. Two sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure are being amended to make acid attacks a special category of crime.

Acid attacks will now entail a minimum punishment of 10 years. Any doctor who refuses to treat an acid attack victim will also invite one year’s imprisonment, Union home minister Rajnath Singh has said. An estimated 400 cases of acid attacks are registered every month across India.

Addressing a seminar on ‘Empowering Acid  Survivors’, the Home Minister on Saturday  said his ministry is working for suitable amendments to the CrPC for time-bound investigation and trial of all acid attack cases.

“I have already written to the state governments. We will ensure that those involved in such crimes get maximum punishment,” he said at the seminar, which was attended many acid attack victims. The Home Ministry is also in talks with the Department of Disabilities for trying to  ensure reservation in government jobs for victims of acid attacks.