SC slams twofinger test on women

THE Supreme Court of India on Monday (31) heavily came down on two-finger test in cases of rape and sexual assault and asked the Narendra Modi government to ensure that the practice is discontinued.

The apex court said the practice is unscientific in ascertaining women’s sexual history and leaves them under more trauma. It ruled that any individual conducting such a test on a survivor will be held guilty of misconduct.

‘It is patriarchal and sexist to suggest that a woman cannot be believed when she states that she was raped merely because she is sexually active,’ the top court said.

A bench comprising Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Hima Kohli made the observations. It overturned a ruling made by Jharkhand High Court acquitting a rape-and-murder convict, and upheld a decision of a trial court that held him guilty.

The court also asked authorities to review curricula in all medical colleges and remove materials on two-finger test.