New Delhi, January 17: The Supreme Court on Monday sought Centre’s response on the issue of marital rape.
The Apex Court wants to know from the Centre whether marital rape must be considered a criminal act or not.
“File your reply by 15th February” the Supreme Court told the Centre.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench consisting of Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud, Justice Narasimha and Justice Pardiwala that the Centre had invited views of the states on the issue about four months ago.
The Solicitor General also added that the Supreme Court’s ruling will not only have legal but also social ramifications.
While directing the Centre to file its affidavit by 15th February, it posted the case for final hearing in March 2023.
The Supreme Court is hearing the matter after the Delhi High Court had given a split verdict on the issue of criminalising marital rape. The petition was filed by NGOs – Rit Foundation, All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) and Khushboo Saif.
The exception given in Section 375 of the IPC states that sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his adult wife is not rape.
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