Laxmi v. Union of India (2014)
AIR 2015 SC 3662
Case Summary
[Article 21 - Right to Life & Personal Liberty]
[Acid Attack]
Facts
Laxmi, a young woman who survived a brutal acid attack, petitioned the Supreme Court for stricter regulation on the sale of acid to prevent similar attacks. She argued that the lack of regulation allowed easy access to acid, leading to numerous acid attack cases in India, particularly against women.
Issues
1. Should there be stricter regulations and restrictions on the sale of acid to prevent acid attacks?
2. What measures can be taken to support and rehabilitate acid attack survivors?
Relevant Legal Provisions
Article 21 of the Constitution: Protects the right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to live with dignity, and provides a basis for regulating actions that endanger human life and safety.
Section 326A, IPC: Introduced through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, specifically addressing acid attacks, prescribing a minimum sentence of ten years for perpetrators and recognizing the gravity of such attacks.
Judgment
The Supreme Court directed the central and state governments to regulate the sale of acid, requiring vendors to maintain a record of sales and imposing penalties for non-compliance. It mandated that acid could only be sold to individuals over 18 with valid ID, thus curbing unauthorized access. The Court also directed state governments to provide free medical treatment and rehabilitation support to acid attack survivors. This judgment highlighted the Court’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity and rights of individuals under Article 21.
Rishita Vanjani
2nd year
Amity University Rajasthan
Comments