In an attempt to curb brutal acid attacks, the government is all set to propose introduction of a new section in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) that would impose a jail term of 10 years and fine up to `10 lakhs.
The matter-proposing insertion of Section 326 (A) in the IPC is likely to come in the Cabinet on Thursday. Sources say that the decision to introduce a new section has been taken following an increase in the number of incidents of women suffering due to acid attacks.
The proposal is also based on the recommendations of the Law Commission of India, which had earlier in 2008 suggested amendments to the IPC to make it a specific offence by introducing a new Section-326 (A). It had also suggested imposition of minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for acid attack offences.
The incidences of brutal attacks in India are so far dealt with the prevailing Sections of 329, 322 and 325 of the IPC which pertain to grievous hurt, voluntarily causing grievous hurt and punishment for causing grievous hurt. There are also currently no laws to regulate the sale of acids barring the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989 (amended in 2000).
Earlier, the National Commission of Women (NCW) too had also underlined the need for compensation to victims as well as banning the open sale of acid.