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Human Rights Through The Rule of Law

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Rape


India

Sakshi v. Union of India & ORS, (May 26, 2004)
Supreme Court of India

Keywords: Sexual Violence-Sexual Abuse, Rape

Brief Summary: The case involved public interest litigation by a welfare organization concerning the India Penal Code's classification of various sexual offenses (namely those other than penile/vaginal penetration) as lesser offenses. The Court ultimately refused to strike down the provision but suggested that the legislature ought to respond to the problem.

CEDAW: The appellants referred to several conventions, including CEDAW, which were ratified by the state. Such ratification had "created a legitimate expectation" that the State would adhere to its international commitments. The existing interpretation of rape, sought to be imposed by the respondent authorities, was in complete violation of such International commitments as have been upheld by the court.

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