# Acid attack? Life, or 14 years minimum. > Hurt by a corrosive substance has its own sections in the PPC. Section 336-B punishes it with imprisonment for life, or at least 14 years, and a fine of at least Rs. 1 million. An attempt is covered too (s.336-A). - Topic: Criminal law - For: Citizens - A 12-slide carousel: https://failegal.site/media/acid-attack-life-or-14-years-minimum - Published by FAI Legal on 2026-10-23 ## Myth or fact? What people often think. - **Myth: Throwing acid is just ordinary hurt. A small case.** - **Fact: Hurt by a corrosive substance has its own section: life, or at least 14 years, and a fine of at least Rs. 1 million (PPC s.336-B).** ## The law. Section 336-B, PPC. > "Whoever causes hurt by corrosive substance shall be punished with imprisonment for life or imprisonment of either description which shall not be less than fourteen years and a minimum fine of one million rupees." (Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 336-B) ## Not only acid. The Explanation to section 336-A. - **Corrosive** Any substance that may destroy, hurt, deface or dismember an organ. - **It includes** Acid, poison, explosives, heating substances, arsenic, any corroding chemical. ## Trying is enough. Section 336-A, PPC. - **Causes** Hurt by means of a corrosive substance. - **Or attempts** An attempt to cause it is covered too. - **The mind** With intention, or knowingly. ## Quick quiz. The court. Guess first, then swipe for the answer. - **A. An ordinary court only** - **B. The Anti-Terrorism Court** - **C. A family court** ## Answer: B. PLD 2016 Lah. 89. Lahore High Court. - **The schedule** Acid hurt is listed in the Third Schedule to the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. - **The holding** The ATC tries it. No link to terrorism needs to be shown. - **The result** Transfer to an ordinary court was set aside. ## No terror shown? 2024 SCMR 2024, Supreme Court. - **The facts** A dispute between the accused and the victim, no public fear proved. - **The result** The ATA conviction was set aside. The s.336-B conviction stayed. ## The victim can name him. 2022 SCMR 1102, Supreme Court. - **Identification** The victim pointed him out in the witness box. No parade was needed. - **Motive** Not a part of the crime. It need not be proved. ## Act fast. Three steps, in this order. - **Hospital** Get treated and ask for the medico-legal report. - **FIR** Report at once. A prompt FIR leaves no time to concoct (2020 PCrLJ 1672). - **Evidence** Keep the clothes and the container for chemical testing. ## Someone threatened you? Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it. - **Someone threatened to throw acid on my sister. Which law applies and what should we do?** - **What is the punishment for an acid attack under section 336-B PPC?** ## Sources - Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 336-B: Punishment for hurt by corrosive substance --- Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. FAI Media is part of FAI Legal (https://failegal.site), research on Pakistani statutes and judgments. Free to watch and read.