Supreme Court Orders Enhanced Sentence in Acid Attack Case

Introduction

The Supreme Court of India recently delivered a crucial judgment in the case of Ravada Sasikala v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Anr., reinforcing the need for stringent punishment in acid attack cases. The Court found that the leniency shown by the High Court in reducing the convict’s sentence was wholly inappropriate given the gravity of the crime. This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting victims and ensuring that justice is served.

Background of the Case

The case revolved around a brutal acid attack incident in Andhra Pradesh. The appellant, Ravada Sasikala, was attacked by the respondent (accused) after her family declined a marriage proposal from the accused’s family. The facts of the case are as follows:

The appellant had accompanied her brother to Amalapuram in East Godavari District.
During her stay, the accused’s elder brother proposed marriage between the accused and the appellant.
The appellant’s family declined the proposal, leading to resentment.
On the morning of May 24, 2003, the accused trespassed into the appellant’s house and poured acid over her head.

Following the attack, an FIR was registered under Sections 448 and 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The trial court later convicted the accused under Sections 326 and 448 IPC.

Key Legal Issues Considered

The Supreme Court examined the following issues:

Whether the High Court was justified in reducing the accused’s sentence to the period already undergone.
Whether the severity of an acid attack warrants a harsher punishment.
Whether victim compensation should be awarded in addition to the punishment imposed.

Arguments by the Petitioner (Victim)

The petitioner, represented by counsel, argued:

The accused committed a heinous crime that left the victim with permanent injuries.
The High Court’s reduction of sentence to just 30 days was manifestly inadequate and undermined justice.
The crime was premeditated and the accused had shown no remorse.
Acid attacks are among the most brutal forms of violence, and a strong judicial response is necessary to deter such crimes.

Arguments by the Respondent (Accused)

The respondent, represented by legal counsel, countered:

The incident occurred years ago, and both the victim and the accused had since moved on with their lives.
The accused was leading a reformed life, and further imprisonment would serve no purpose.
The High Court had correctly exercised its discretion in reducing the sentence.

Supreme Court’s Observations

The Supreme Court was highly critical of the High Court’s leniency, stating:

“The crime of this nature does not deserve any kind of clemency. It is individually as well as collectively intolerable.”

The Court also emphasized that acid attacks represent a grave violation of human dignity:

“Acid attack is an inhumane crime that scars the victim for life, both physically and emotionally. The punishment must reflect the severity of the crime.”

The Court held that the High Court had failed to consider established precedents on sentencing, leading to a miscarriage of justice.

Final Judgment

The Supreme Court ruled:

The High Court’s decision to reduce the sentence was set aside.
The original sentence imposed by the trial court was restored.
The accused was ordered to pay Rs. 50,000 as compensation to the victim.
The State of Andhra Pradesh was directed to pay Rs. 3 lakhs in additional compensation to the victim.

Significance of the Judgment

This ruling has critical implications:

It reaffirms that acid attacks warrant severe punishment to serve as a deterrent.
It highlights the judiciary’s role in ensuring that victims receive just compensation.
It reinforces the principle that leniency in such cases undermines public confidence in the justice system.

Implications for Sentencing in Acid Attack Cases

The judgment sets a precedent for future cases involving acid attacks:

Courts must impose stringent sentences in cases involving bodily harm caused by acid attacks.
Compensation to victims should be a mandatory component of the sentence.
Sentencing must consider the long-term suffering of victims and the societal impact of the crime.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s decision in Ravada Sasikala v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Anr. is a landmark ruling that reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice for victims of acid attacks. By restoring the trial court’s sentence and awarding additional compensation, the judgment ensures that the severity of the crime is reflected in the punishment imposed. This ruling serves as a reminder that the legal system must uphold the rights and dignity of victims while ensuring that perpetrators receive appropriate punishment.

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Download Judgment: Ravada Sasikala vs State of Andhra Prad Supreme Court of India Judgment Dated 27-02-2017.pdf

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