Supreme Court Rejects High Court’s Suspension of Convicts’ Life Terms in Acid Attack Case

The Supreme Court has overturned a decision by the Allahabad High Court to suspend the life sentences of five convicts in an acid attack case, stating that the offer of compensation to the victim cannot be the sole basis for suspending their sentences.

A bench of Justices C T Ravikumar and Rajesh Bindal criticized the High Court for relying solely on the fact that the convicts had offered Rs 25 lakh to the victim, Shivani Tyagi. The apex court emphasized that the severity of the crime, which resulted in permanent disfigurement for the victim, should have been the primary consideration.

The judges expressed dismay at the High Court’s decision, describing it as reflective of a lack of proper consideration of relevant factors. They noted that acid attacks not only cause physical harm but also strip victims of their basic human rights, making the offer of compensation inappropriate in the context of criminal justice.

The bench highlighted the need to objectively consider factors such as the nature and gravity of the offense, the manner in which it was committed, and the desirability of releasing convicts on bail. They emphasized that in cases involving serious offenses like acid attacks, suspension of sentence should be the exception rather than the norm.

Justice Ravikumar underscored the importance of a balanced approach in invoking Section 389 of the Criminal Procedure Code, especially in cases of serious crimes. He emphasized that while suspension of sentence might be the norm for short-term imprisonments, the opposite should hold true for convictions in serious offenses.

The Supreme Court’s decision reaffirms its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring appropriate punishment for those convicted of grave offenses like acid attacks. It underscores the need for a thorough and objective assessment of relevant factors in determining the fate of convicts, rather than relying solely on monetary compensation.

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