Delhi Court Sentences Man to 14 Years in Prison for Acid Attack on Estranged Wife

A court in New Delhi has sentenced a man to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment for throwing acid on his estranged wife. While delivering the verdict and awarding the sentence, the court observed that the consequences of an acid attack extend far beyond immediate physical injuries and can remain with the survivor for life.

Additional Sessions Judge Prayank Nayak also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the convict. The court directed that the fine amount be given to the survivor as compensation. In the event of default of payment, the convict will be required to undergo an additional year of imprisonment.

In addition to the fine, the court directed the Central District Legal Services Authority to determine and grant compensation to the woman in accordance with the law.

The acid attack took place on August 8, 2022, at a time when the couple were already living separately. The woman had gone to meet her husband, where an altercation broke out between the two.

Following the dispute, the woman returned to her home. Around 5:30 pm, the man arrived carrying acid and threw it at her. The survivor suffered extensive burns on her face and ear. During the attack, acid droplets also struck and injured children who were playing nearby.

Immediately following the assault, the woman's mother and a neighbour rushed her to a hospital for emergency treatment. The accused was arrested by the police two days after the incident took place.

The court convicted the man under Section 326A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to voluntarily causing grievous hurt, permanent or partial damage, deformity, or disfigurement by using acid. In awarding the sentence, the court noted that it had considered the gravity of the offence, the extent of the victim's injuries, and their long-term impact.