Mumbai: The Maharashtra government will soon make virginity tests a punishable offence. According to reports, some communities in Maharashtra follow a custom where a newly-wed woman has to prove her virginity before marriage.
Ranjit Patil, Minister of state for Home, assured a delegation of social organisations Wednesday that she will look into the issue.
While talking to the reporters the minister said, under the ‘Prohibition of Social Boycott Act’ the offence will be punishable. A circular in this regard will be issued after consultations with the Law and Judiciary department.
Patil, meanwhile, also said his department will hold bi-monthly review of cases of sexual assault, and ensure low pendency of such cases in the courts, minister added.
It should be stated here that the Kanjarbhat community followed the custom of virginity tests for the newly-weds.
Agencies