Outrage in India After Court Acquits Man of Marital Rape Following Wife's Death

A controversial court ruling in India that absolved a husband of charges related to marital rape and homicide has prompted widespread protests and calls for legal reform, as activists push for the recognition of women's rights within marriage.

In a disheartening development, an Indian high court's ruling has ignited outrage across the country after a man was acquitted of charges related to the rape and death of his wife. The judge asserted that the man's forced sexual conduct did not constitute a crime under current Indian law, which still does not criminalize marital rape.

The case concerns the tragic events of December 11, 2017, when the husband allegedly committed "unnatural sexual acts" against his then-wife, who subsequently succumbed to her injuries. In 2019, a trial court had convicted the husband on grounds of culpable homicide and sentenced him to ten years of rigorous imprisonment. However, the recent judgment by Justice Narendra Kumar Vyas from Chhattisgarh's High Court has changed everything.

Activists, lawyers, and women's rights advocates are expressing their horror over the court's decision. "To see a man walk free after such a heinous act is morally reprehensible," stated Sukriti Chauhan, a gender rights activist. Legal circles recognize the gravity of this ruling, calling it one of the darkest moments in India's justice system.

Priyanka Shukla, another lawyer, emphasized how this case sends a dangerous message— that marital status can lead to a sense of impunity for perpetrators. Despite significant evidence, including the deceased woman's grave injuries and her dying declaration, the High Court dismissed the case, citing the absence of legal acknowledgment of marital rape.

This judgement is part of a broader pattern in India, where marital rape is not classified as a criminal offense. Currently, India is among over 30 countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, that do not recognize the gravity of rape in a marital context. Efforts to amend the Indian Penal Code, particularly Section 375, which dates back to the British colonial era, have been ongoing but met with resistance from the government and various societal factions.

The ruling's implications extend beyond the courtroom, reflecting a culture that often downplays domestic violence. Alarmingly, studies indicate that a significant portion of married women in India face various forms of abuse, often choosing silence over shame.

As calls for legal reform grow louder, activists argue that the fight to criminalize marital rape is not a gender war but a necessary step toward ensuring women's safety and dignity. Chauhan called for a concerted, thoughtful campaign to address the issue formally and effectively.

The ruling has catalyzed discussions on systemic change, challenging the outdated perceptions that still prevail in discussions of marital rights and women’s safety in India. The demand for justice, protection, and dignity for women continues to gain momentum in the face of such regressive legal interpretations.