Srinagar, May 21: The District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) Srinagar on Saturday handed over a cheque of Rs 3 lakh as compensation to the family of a girl injured in an acid attack in Srinagar on February 1, this year.

 

The cheque was handed over by Chairman DLSA Jawad Ahmad, Principal District Judge, Srinagar, in the presence of Secretary DLSA and Sub-Judge Noor Mohammad Mir and DLSA Panel Lawyer Mir Naveed Gul. 

 

On the occasion, the DLSA assured all possible support from it to the victim's family. 

 

Following the incident, DLSA immediately began the process of granting compensation to the 24-year-old girl, and a free legal aid counsel was appointed for the victim and her family.

 

As per an order earlier issued by DLSA, advocate Mir Naveed Gul will "extend his fullest legal services free of cost at every forum to the victim or her family, including before police, court, or any government agency, as and when contacted by the victim’s family." 

 

Taking cognizance of the brutal and inhuman act, committed by the assailant while throwing acid on a girl, it is the duty of DLSA Srinagar to come forward for all possible help to the victim and her family vis-à-vis legal services free of cost.  

 

"DLSA has already taken appropriate measures under the provisions of the law in that direction," Gul added. Gul,

 

while interacting with the victim's family, assured them that the trial of the case is going on a fast-track basis and will be taken to its logical conclusion. On the occasion, Gul lauded the efforts of the police for cracking down and arresting the accused within less than 24 hours. The victim's family also thanked the DLSA, police, and civil administration for extending all possible help from their end.

 

The offenders, convicted under Section 326 A, shall be imprisoned for a minimum sentence of ten years, which may increase up to life imprisonment along with a fine; that fine should be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses incurred by the victim," said advocate Mir Naveed Gul, who has been appointed by the District Legal Service Authority of Srinagar as free legal aid counsel for the victim targeted with acid.

 

The offence of throwing acid, committed against any man or woman, is punishable under Section 326 A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). 

 

This Section was inserted into the IPC under the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, creating special provisions for the victims of acid attacks.