Crimino-Vision Events

The UG Criminology department of the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority, Dakshina Kannada, organized a special awareness program on World Water Day and the NALSA (Legal Services to Victims of Acid Attacks) Scheme 2016. The event was held on March 26, 2025, at Maria Paiva Hall. The program was conducted under the guidance of Ms. Sarik Ankitha, Head of the Department and Assistant Professor of Criminology, along with Mr. Anees Rahman, Assistant Professor, Department of Criminology.

The session was inaugurated in the presence of Mrs. Cecilia Farida Goveas, Controller of Examinations, who was invited as the Chief Guest. She expressed her appreciation for the UG Criminology department’s initiative in organizing such an important session. She also presented a token of gratitude to the resource person for his valuable insights.

The resource person for the session was Mr. Shukaraj S. Kottary, Defense Counsel, District Legal Services Authority, Dakshina Kannada. He commenced the session by discussing World Water Day, emphasizing the theme "No Water, No Life." He highlighted the alarming scarcity of fresh drinking water, pointing out that only 3% of the world’s water resources are fresh and usable. He spoke about the negligence in water conservation and the commercialization of water through private tankers, stressing the need for government interventions and sustainable water management practices. He urged students to contribute to water conservation efforts in their communities and raised awareness about global water crises.

Following the discussion on World Water Day, Mr. Shukaraj addressed the NALSA (Legal Services to Victims of Acid Attacks) Scheme 2016, focusing on the increasing incidents of acid attacks in India. He explained the legal and psychological implications for survivors and discussed the Ladli Lakshmi Yojana, which provides compensation to acid attack victims, especially minors. He also detailed the landmark legal case of Lakshmi vs. Union of India & Others, which led to strict judicial regulations on the sale and purchase of acid.

The session also covered key legal provisions related to acid attacks under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:

• Section 326A: Prescribes a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment for acid attacks.
• Section 326B: Deals with attempts to throw acid.

Mr. Shukaraj also explained constitutional provisions such as:

• Article 21: Right to Dignity
• Article 41: Right to Public Assistance in Case of Disability
• Article 39: Access to Legal Aid for All Citizens

Additionally, the speaker elaborated on the role of the Legal Services Authority in assisting acid attack survivors. He highlighted victim compensation schemes, legal representation for minor victims, free plastic surgery for survivors at private hospitals, and penalties for hospitals that refuse treatment. The discussion also covered the responsibilities of lawyers, police officials, and clinical teams in handling such cases.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where students raised questions about legal procedures, victim rights, and water conservation policies. The discussion provided a comprehensive understanding of both environmental concerns and victim rehabilitation mechanisms, making the event highly informative and engaging. A total of 110 students participated in this awareness program.