In a first, acid attack survivor in Madhya Pradesh granted compensation of Rs 7 lakh
|
Yashoda Bai vs. State of Madhya Pradesh
Writ Petition no. 742 /2017
The petition was filed by SLIC on the behalf of a poor married woman. Her husband was a farmer in Mathura. The accused, Nepal Singh, used to work with the petitioner 8 months ago and wished to have illegal physical relationship with her which she refused. On 13th January 2017, at around 8:10 AM, Nepal Singh quarreled with Yashoda, threw acid on the her face and fled on bike. Yashoda had burns on her face, neck, head, ear, hand, leg, scalp and waist. Passers by called 108 ambulance and she was taken to M.Y. Hospital Indore. FIR no. 44/2017 was lodged against Nepal Singh and his acquintance accused under section 307, 326A, 34 of IPC on 13/01/2017.
On 18/10/2016, Yashoda went to Badganga station to lodge an FIR stating that Nepal Singh threatened and hurt her but instead, the District Court Chairman (Respondent no.7) lodged a Non Cognizable Offence Report (NCR) and no action was taken against Nepal.
On admittance to M.Y. Hospital, she was diagnosed with approximately 20% burns and was in severe pain. However, the hospital staff did not behave well with her or her relatives and did not attend to her in the required manner. As a result, she developed pus in her scalp and holes in her right ear. She was also discharged before she got well, on 03/02/17.
Thus, taking into consideration her fragile health and the requirement of cosmetic surgery, hair implant, and treatment of her disfigured fingers, the petition contended that she should be compulsorily treated in a private hospital (Bombay Hospital).
Yashoda did not only suffer from physical injuries but also irreversible mental injuries. Her confidence was shattered and it became difficult for her to face society with the feeling of being crippled.
The petitioner prays that she be given at least Rs.30 lakhs as compensation, the respondents develop a comprehensive rehabilitation scheme for acid attack survivors for housing, education and employment and she be given lifetime support for medical treatment.
The case stands to be the first in Madhya Pradesh wherein compensation amounting to Rs 4 lakh and the medical expenses amounting to Rs 3 lakh have been granted. The learned counsel of the petitioner has also raised the issue of providing employment in public sector so as to cater to her future needs.
In its latest order, the MP high court ordered Bombay Hospital to continue treating Yashoda Bai. We will update this case as it develops.