The Maharashtra government on Wednesday said that it will soon make forcing a woman to undergo virginity test a punishable offence.
Certain communities in Maharashtra follow a custom whereby a newly-wed woman has to prove that she is virgin prior to the marriage. On Wednesday, the Minister of State for Home Ranjeet Patil, met a delegation of some social organisations regarding the issue. Neelam Gorhe, Shiv Sena spokesperson was also a part of the delegation.
“Virginity test will be considered a form of sexual assault...after consultations with the Law and Judiciary department, a circular will be issued declaring it a punishable offence”, the minister told reporters.
The demeaning custom is allegedly followed in the Kanjarbhat community among others. Some youth from the community have even launched an online campaign against it.
Minister Patil has also said that his department will hold bi-monthly review of cases of sexual assault, and ensure low pendency of such cases in the courts.