New Delhi, Feb 4 (.) The Government has put in place a comprehensive legal, institutional and policy framework to prevent acid attacks, ensure strict punishment for offenders, and provide protection, compensation and rehabilitation to survivors, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.
Replying to a question, union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi said that while “Police” and “Public Order” are State subjects under the Constitution, States and union Territories are primarily responsible for investigation, prosecution and protection of victims. The Centre supports their efforts through advisories, legal provisions and financial assistance.
Acid attack has been recognised as a distinct and grave offence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which came into force on July 1, 2024. Section 124(1) provides for a minimum punishment of ten years’ imprisonment, extendable to life, along with a fine that must be adequate to meet the victim’s medical expenses. Section 124(2) criminalises attempts to commit acid attacks and prescribes imprisonment of five to seven years with fine.
Under Section 396 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, States are required to implement victim compensation schemes in coordination with the Centre to support victims requiring rehabilitation. The compensation is in addition to any fine imposed on the offender. All States and UTs have notified such schemes, and the Centre had released ₹200 crore in 2016–17 under the Central Victim Compensation Fund (CVCF) from the Nirbhaya Fund to strengthen these mechanisms.
Following Supreme Court directions in the Nipun Saxena case, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has also framed schemes enhancing compensation for women victims of sexual assault and other crimes, including acid attacks. Additionally, the NALSA (Legal Services to Victims of Acid Attacks) Scheme, 2016 ensures access to medical treatment, rehabilitation services and legal aid for survivors.
To curb the availability of acid, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued advisories to States and UTs to regulate retail sale of acid and chemicals under the Model Poisons Rules. States have been asked to strictly monitor sales to prevent misuse in crimes.
The Government has also strengthened support systems for women in distress under the umbrella scheme “Mission Shakti”. One Stop Centres provide medical aid, psycho-social counselling, legal assistance, police facilitation and temporary shelter.
The 24×7 Women Helpline (181) has been universalised and has assisted over 96 lakh women as of December 31, 2025. The Emergency Response Support System (112) is also integrated with women’s helplines, while over 14,600 Women Help Desks have been set up in police stations with Nirbhaya Fund support.
Capacity building of law enforcement personnel is being undertaken by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) through training programmes and standard operating procedures to ensure sensitive handling of cases involving women. Awareness initiatives are also being carried out by the National Commission for Women and other agencies through outreach programmes and media campaigns.
The Minister said the Centre accords the highest priority for the safety and security of women and girls and continues to work with States and UTs to strengthen prevention, protection and rehabilitation mechanisms for survivors of acid attacks.
. PWS .