In a significant ruling, a Delhi court has sentenced a man to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for a brutal acid attack on a man and his two young daughters. The court also ordered a compensation of ₹20 lakh to be paid to the three victims, emphasizing the need for justice to reflect the severity of the crime.
The Heinous Crime and Court’s Observations
The case dates back to 2017 when Raghav Mukhia (28) attacked a man and his two minor daughters with acid. The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Aditi Garg, had previously convicted Mukhia under Section 326 A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with causing grievous hurt by acid.
During the sentencing arguments, ASJ Garg made strong observations about the devastating impact of the attack. She noted that the incident had not only destroyed the childhood of the girls but also robbed the father of his employment opportunities. The court stressed that the punishment must be proportionate to the brutality of the crime.
Justice and Compensation
Citing a 2005 Supreme Court judgment, the court emphasized that the punishment for a crime should align with the brutality with which it was committed. It should also respond to society’s demand for justice against the criminal.
Addressing the aspect of compensation, the court highlighted the long-lasting effects of the attack on the victims. The two girls, who were school students at the time of the incident, have suffered immensely. The acid attack has hindered their ability to realize their full potential in their careers. The court also noted that the father’s health deteriorated after the attack, and he had to undergo heart surgery.
Impact on the Victims
The court’s interaction with the victims revealed the deep psychological scars left by the attack. The elder daughter, who was 13 at the time of the incident, suffered 30-40% disability. She expressed feeling insecure and under-confident due to the trauma. The younger daughter, who was 8 years old, also has burn marks and spoke about the attack making her emotionally vulnerable.
ASJ Garg stated, “This incident had not just handicapped the family financially, it also impacted the family members psychologically… it can be seen that this incident destroyed the childhood of the victims.”
Restorative and Compensatory Justice
Recognizing the profound impact of the attack, the court deemed it imperative to provide restorative and compensatory justice to the victims. The ₹20 lakh compensation is intended to help the family rebuild their lives and address the physical and emotional harm they have endured.
Legal Context and Significance
This case underscores the judiciary’s commitment to addressing the heinous crime of acid attacks. The court’s decision to impose a substantial sentence and award significant compensation sends a strong message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated.
Section 326 A of the IPC, under which Mukhia was convicted, was introduced as part of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, following widespread outrage over acid attacks in India. This law provides for a minimum punishment of 10 years’ imprisonment, which may extend to life imprisonment, along with a fine.
Conclusion
The Delhi court’s ruling in this acid attack case reflects a balanced approach, considering both the retributive and restorative aspects of justice. While the 10-year sentence holds the perpetrator accountable for his actions, the compensation order aims to provide some measure of relief to the victims and help them on their path to recovery. This case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of acid attacks and the importance of stringent legal measures to deter such crimes and ensure justice for the victims.
About Author
Akshita Garg is a career driven law student at Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, blending analytical precision with a passion for justice. With a foundation in Botany from Hansraj College, she brings a unique perspective to legal research and advocacy. Her experience spans legal drafting, research, and social impact initiatives, gained through internships at leading firms and NGOs. Known for her critical thinking and effective communication, she is committed to navigating the complexities of law to drive meaningful change.
