New Delhi (Agency): In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has denied bail to an accused in an acid attack case, underscoring the gravity of acid attacks and their profound impact on victims.
The accused had sought his release on the grounds of prolonged incarceration, citing that the minimum punishment for the offense was 10 years, and he had already spent nine years in judicial custody.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, presiding over the case, emphasized the severe nature of acid attacks, which result in life-altering injuries, causing both physical pain and emotional scars that may never heal. The court recognized the need for justice to address not only the physical but also the emotional and psychological trauma faced by victims.
The court stated, “This court cannot close its eyes to the unseen psychological pain, and the aftermath faced by the victim which continues throughout her life and how this incident may have evoked fear and insecurity in many girls in the society.”
While acknowledging the accused’s prolonged incarceration, the court stressed that the victim’s suffering, including physical injuries and emotional trauma, was equally significant. The court noted that the victim would have to bear the scars on her face, which could evoke questions and questioning eyes, potentially traumatizing her for life.
In the order dated September 4, the court directed the trial court to conclude the trial within four months, taking it up on a day-to-day basis.
The court’s decision not to grant bail in this case highlights the vital role that bail orders play in society. They carry responsibilities toward societal expectations and serve as a means of preventing and discouraging heinous crimes such as acid attacks. The court emphasized that its decisions have far-reaching consequences, particularly in cases involving serious offenses like acid attacks.
The court acknowledged its role as a guardian of justice and a protector of society, emphasizing the need to establish a formidable deterrent against acid attacks. Acid attacks have a profound impact on communities, spreading fear and anxiety. The court recognized the significance of its role in granting or denying bail in such cases.
In the case under consideration, a 30-year-old woman, working as a senior resident in a government hospital, became a victim of an acid attack in 2014. The attack allegedly occurred in broad daylight in the Rajouri Garden area. It was alleged that another doctor conspired with the bail applicant to throw acid on the victim after she rejected his marriage proposal.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of acid attacks as criminal offenses and the importance of addressing the physical and psychological trauma experienced by victims. It aims to ensure justice while also serving as a deterrent against such heinous acts in society.