Government Tightens Legal Net to Protect Women

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Feb: The Government of India has reaffirmed that the safety and security of women and girls remains its highest priority, backed by a strengthened legal and institutional framework to prevent acid attacks, punish offenders and rehabilitate survivors.

While police and public order are State subjects, the Centre continues to support States and Union Territories through legislation, advisories, funding and national-level schemes.

Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, in force since July 1, 2024, acid attack has been defined as a separate and serious crime. Section 124(1) mandates a minimum sentence of 10 years, extendable to life imprisonment, along with a fine sufficient to meet medical expenses of the victim. Section 124(2) also criminalises attempted acid attacks, prescribing five to seven years of imprisonment with fine.

Further, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 requires every State to implement a Victim Compensation Scheme, ensuring financial assistance for rehabilitation in addition to fines imposed on offenders. All States and UTs have notified such schemes, supported by a ₹200 crore one-time grant released under the Central Victim Compensation Fund.

In line with Supreme Court directions in Nipun Saxena vs Union of India, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has enhanced compensation norms for women victims, including acid attack survivors, and continues to provide legal aid and rehabilitation support.

To curb misuse, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued advisories to strictly regulate retail sale of acid and corrosive chemicals, under the Model Poisons Rules.

The Centre is also implementing Mission Shakti, an umbrella programme for women’s safety and empowerment. This includes One Stop Centres offering medical, legal and counselling support, the 24×7 Women Helpline (181) integrated with emergency number 112, and 14,658 Women Help Desks operational in police stations across the country. As of December 31, 2025, more than 9.6 crore women have been assisted through helpline services.

Training and sensitisation of police personnel is being carried out by the Bureau of Police Research and Development, while awareness campaigns are conducted through the National Commission for Women and State counterparts.

The details were shared by Annpurna Devi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, reiterating the government’s commitment to zero tolerance against crimes targeting women.