In the last one week there have been two cases where the rapist has been let off with a fine because he has dependants.

In both cases the victim has been a minor. The first girl was a 14 year old, and the second a 16 year old. Both come from extremely poor families.

Both the rapists have literally gotten away with it. They continue to stay in the same neighbourhood. They have payed some compensation. Blood MoneyOne of the girls gave birth to the rapists child, the other was slightly luckier.

The judge in both cases was the same - Judge Laxmi Rao. Incidentally the Judge is a woman.

We as citizens, seriously need to call into question the competancy of the judiciary when it comes to decisions such as this. From the judge who asked the victim if she wanted to marry the rapist to these two cases, the case of Imrana and the judgement of various caste panchayats. There seems to be almost a legal sanction for a man to force a woman to have sex when she doesn’t want to. Rape is ok, seems to be the message sent out.

There needs to be some serious action taken to deter these kind of judgements that jeopardize the constitutional right to equality under the eyes of law.

Tags: Gender Issues, Society