Delhi govt to withdraw circular on two-finger test for rape survivors

The Delhi government is set to withdraw its earlier circular which ruled out the banning of the controversial two-finger test on rape survivors

New Delhi: The Delhi government is set to withdraw its earlier circular which ruled out the banning of the controversial two-finger test on rape survivors.

The government will also initiate action against the officer who issued the circular. Congress leader RPN Singh welcomed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governmen’s move to withdraw the test.

“It's unfortunate that the state government reintroduced the two-finger test for rape victims, but it's a good thing they are withdrawing it now,” Singh told ANI. Meanwhile, lawyer and social activist Abha Singh questioned how the Delhi government can issue such a notification, despite a Supreme Court ruling to the contrary.

“Supreme Court has held that the two finger test is cruel, inhuman, degrading. It violates the mental and physical integrity and dignity of a rape victim. What is surprising that after such clear SC guidelines how the AAP-led Delhi government has come out with a notification instructing hospitals to carry the two-finger test? Is this empowerment,” asked Singh.

In 2013, the Supreme Court had ruled that the two-finger test and its interpretation “violates the right of rape survivors to privacy, physical and mental integrity and dignity.”

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