Khushboo Saifi’s appeal to the Supreme Court focuses on the constitutional validity of the marital rape exception under Section 375 of the IPC. The Supreme Court will hear the case after the Centre submits its response. The Delhi High Court issued conflicting opinions on the exception, emphasizing the need for legal clarity on women’s rights in marriage.
Human rights organizations in India, led by the All India Democratic Women’s Association, are urging the supreme court to criminalize marital rape. Despite upcoming changes to the penal code, marital rape is not included as a crime. Critics argue that this perpetuates outdated views on marriage and undermines women’s rights. Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on women’s empowerment is contradicted by this stance.
