An Indian high court's ruling has sparked widespread condemnation after it acquitted a man convicted of raping his wife, who subsequently died from her injuries. The case has reignited the urgent debate over marital rape's legal status in India, where it remains uncriminalized.
India's Outrage Over Court Ruling Acquitting Man in Wife's Rape and Death Case
India's Outrage Over Court Ruling Acquitting Man in Wife's Rape and Death Case
A controversial court decision highlights India's ongoing struggle with marital rape and women's rights, igniting a wave of protests across the nation.
On Monday, Justice Narendra Kumar Vyas of Chhattisgarh's high court overturned a 2019 conviction that sentenced a 40-year-old man to ten years for culpable homicide and "unnatural sex" with his wife, which was deemed a crime by a lower court. The charges stemmed from a brutal incident on December 11, 2017, when the woman allegedly faced a forced sexual act from her husband that led to internal injuries and her unfortunate demise shortly after.
Eyewitness accounts and the victim’s dying statement underscored the prosecution's case, but Justice Vyas concluded that since India does not recognize marital rape as an offense, the husband could not be held accountable. Legal experts and activists have condemned this view, emphasizing the gross injustice reflected in the ruling.
Sukriti Chauhan, a prominent lawyer and activist, stated that the judgement is "morally abhorrent," and Priyanka Shukla echoed sentiments that the ruling sends a disturbing message about spousal rights. The high-profile nature of this case has drawn renewed attention to the legal framework surrounding marital rape in India, which remains a contentious issue.
Despite numerous petitions seeking to amend Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, which has allowed for exemptions in cases of marital rape since 1860, the legal landscape has not shifted. Advocates argue that consent should not be considered implied in marriage, and that contemporary standards demand urgent legal reform to protect women's rights.
The Indian government has pushed back against these calls, citing concerns that criminalizing marital rape could disturb the institution of marriage, a stance that exacerbates the outrage surrounding this case.
With shock still reverberating in the community following the verdict, many activists insist that comprehensive legislative change is necessary. They argue that until marital rape is criminalized, victims will continue to find themselves without justice, reflected in the societal stigma surrounding such cases.
According to recent surveys, a staggering 32% of married women in India report experiencing violence, highlighting the pervasive issue of domestic abuse. As the call for change grows louder, activists like Chauhan believe that meaningful discourse must be fostered to bring attention to the urgent need for women's safety and empowerment within the legal system.
An indefatigable demand for justice surrounds this case, with campaigners urging for a nationwide movement to address and rectify the ongoing plight of women facing violence and oppression in marriage.
Eyewitness accounts and the victim’s dying statement underscored the prosecution's case, but Justice Vyas concluded that since India does not recognize marital rape as an offense, the husband could not be held accountable. Legal experts and activists have condemned this view, emphasizing the gross injustice reflected in the ruling.
Sukriti Chauhan, a prominent lawyer and activist, stated that the judgement is "morally abhorrent," and Priyanka Shukla echoed sentiments that the ruling sends a disturbing message about spousal rights. The high-profile nature of this case has drawn renewed attention to the legal framework surrounding marital rape in India, which remains a contentious issue.
Despite numerous petitions seeking to amend Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, which has allowed for exemptions in cases of marital rape since 1860, the legal landscape has not shifted. Advocates argue that consent should not be considered implied in marriage, and that contemporary standards demand urgent legal reform to protect women's rights.
The Indian government has pushed back against these calls, citing concerns that criminalizing marital rape could disturb the institution of marriage, a stance that exacerbates the outrage surrounding this case.
With shock still reverberating in the community following the verdict, many activists insist that comprehensive legislative change is necessary. They argue that until marital rape is criminalized, victims will continue to find themselves without justice, reflected in the societal stigma surrounding such cases.
According to recent surveys, a staggering 32% of married women in India report experiencing violence, highlighting the pervasive issue of domestic abuse. As the call for change grows louder, activists like Chauhan believe that meaningful discourse must be fostered to bring attention to the urgent need for women's safety and empowerment within the legal system.
An indefatigable demand for justice surrounds this case, with campaigners urging for a nationwide movement to address and rectify the ongoing plight of women facing violence and oppression in marriage.
