Definition of "Rape" to be Broadened

As per this news article, The Government of India is set to amend Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code by replacing the term “rape” with “sexual assault”. This is a welcome move for several reasons.


One: as the article mentions, it makes the law gender-neutral. The law will now recognize crimes against women, men and children. There is no mention about sexual minorities and trans-genders in the article though.


Two: As a consequence of point One, the law aims to protect homosexuals against sexual crimes too.


Three: The current law only carries significant punishment for “rape”, as in penetration – other forms of sexual assault are not treated as seriously. The proposed amendment will, hopefully, recognize non-penetrative sexual offences as equally criminal.


The Government and Judiciary have been taking positive steps as far as prevention of sexual crimes goes, and this particular one is almost a reform. Let's hope that such measures help in stemming the sexual offences. More importantly, let's hope that the Govt doesn't stop here and goes on to introduce more measures; particularly in the area of prevention of, and dealing with, child sexual abuse.


3 comments to Definition of "Rape" to be Broadened

  • Anonymous

    Yes. And these are two posts about positive reforms.

    I agree, "let's hope that the Govt doesn't stop here and goes on to introduce more measures; particularly in the area of prevention of, and dealing with, child sexual abuse."

  • We can do what we want by expanding the meaning.
    Till we have the will to implement the laws, all this is meaningless.

  • Yes! This is a welcome step!

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