In India, acid attacks stand as one of the most horrific forms of gender-based violence, disproportionately targeting women and girls. Most often, these crimes are rooted in revenge, rejection of marriage proposals, resistance to harassment, or the assertion of independence. What appears as an individual act of cruelty is in fact a reflection of deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that deny women their agency, equality, and dignity.

Acid violence is not merely a criminal offence—it is a violation of fundamental human rights. It robs survivors of their right to life, bodily integrity, health, livelihood, and education. The United Nations has recognized acid attacks as a grave human rights concern, while India’s own Supreme Court and legislature have laid down strict regulations for the sale of acid and mandated compensation and rehabilitation measures for survivors. Yet, gaps in enforcement and systemic delays continue to deny justice to many.

The Institute for Social Development (ISD) has initiated a Campaign on Acid Attack Survivors’ Legal Rights and Compensation to raise awareness and advocate for justice for survivors of acid violence in Odisha.

The campaign focuses on educating survivors, communities, and stakeholders about the legal provisions, compensation schemes, and rehabilitation support available under the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, and the directives of the Supreme Court of India.

Through awareness programs, legal aid camps, and community outreach, ISD strives to ensure that survivors receive timely medical care, legal support, and financial compensation, while also promoting social reintegration and dignity for survivors.

The campaign aims to strengthen public understanding of acid violence as a grave human rights violation and to encourage collective action toward ending such forms of gender-based violence. Acid attack survivor Ms. Pramodini Roul leads this campaign in Odisha.