To,
Smt Smriti Irani,
Minister of Women and Child Development
"Acid is a weapon. You know how America is talking about guns? That's how acid is used in India."
Tania Singh, CEO Make Love, Not Scars
Acid attack survivors in India have made the judiciary sit up and listen to them.
Laxmi Agarwal is one of them. Her Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to regulate the sale of acids is the reason why there is a law in place that does not allow any Indian state and Union Territory over-the-counter sale of acid.
Survivors have also repeatedly been asking for fast track trial courts for quick punitive action.
The release of Deepika Padukone starrer ‘Chhapaak’ this week, creates the perfect window for us to leverage media attention and ask the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) to prioritise fast-track courts for acid attack cases.
“Fast tracking of trials is a good idea as there is lesser chance of witnesses defecting. Since the incident is still fresh, the process of testifying and cross-examination goes more smoothly. The chances of witness intimidation are also reduced. Overall, the prosecution benefits.”
-- Madhur Verma, DCP (Crime) and PRO, Delhi Police.
It’s not everyday that a mainstream Bollywood actor, in the peak of their career, gets behind a socially important issue like acid attacks. We must seize this moment and ensure fast-track courts are prioritised in 2020.
Acid attack survivors and activists launched their ‘Jago Chunav Hai’ (Wake up, it’s Elections) campaign to leverage the 2019 elections to push their demands.
Let’s make sure 2020 is the year fast-track courts are finally a reality for swift justice to survivors.
Sources:
For acid attack survivors, 2019 elections emerge as a platform to campaign for stronger laws, proper treatment and compensation -- Firstpost
Justice for Acid Attack Victims: Are Fast Track Courts The Answer? -- The Quint
Meet the acid attack survivors who are leading the change and inspiring others -- YourStory
To,
Smt Smriti Irani,
Minister of Women and Child Development
"Acid is a weapon. You know how America is talking about guns? That's how acid is used in India."
Tania Singh, CEO Make Love, Not Scars
Acid attack survivors in India have made the judiciary sit up and listen to them.
Laxmi Agarwal is one of them. Her Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to regulate the sale of acids is the reason why there is a law in place that does not allow any Indian state and Union Territory over-the-counter sale of acid.
Survivors have also repeatedly been asking for fast track trial courts for quick punitive action.
The release of Deepika Padukone starrer ‘Chhapaak’ this week, creates the perfect window for us to leverage media attention and ask the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) to prioritise fast-track courts for acid attack cases.
“Fast tracking of trials is a good idea as there is lesser chance of witnesses defecting. Since the incident is still fresh, the process of testifying and cross-examination goes more smoothly. The chances of witness intimidation are also reduced. Overall, the prosecution benefits.”
-- Madhur Verma, DCP (Crime) and PRO, Delhi Police.
It’s not everyday that a mainstream Bollywood actor, in the peak of their career, gets behind a socially important issue like acid attacks. We must seize this moment and ensure fast-track courts are prioritised in 2020.
Acid attack survivors and activists launched their ‘Jago Chunav Hai’ (Wake up, it’s Elections) campaign to leverage the 2019 elections to push their demands.
Let’s make sure 2020 is the year fast-track courts are finally a reality for swift justice to survivors.
Sources:
For acid attack survivors, 2019 elections emerge as a platform to campaign for stronger laws, proper treatment and compensation -- Firstpost
Justice for Acid Attack Victims: Are Fast Track Courts The Answer? -- The Quint
Meet the acid attack survivors who are leading the change and inspiring others -- YourStory
Next step - spread the word
Acid Attack Survivors Deserve Fast Track Courts
