When religious freedom collides with the right to life
Indian Express·2h ago·Fear
What Happened
India's Supreme Court nine-judge bench is hearing a case on female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice performed on girls in the Dawoodi Bohra community at age seven. Although India has criminalized FGM under IPC sections 320-326 and POCSO, the practice continues. The Court frames the case around religious freedom rights in Articles 25-26. Legal experts argue FGM is not religious, causes permanent bodily harm, and violates the right to life regardless of claimed religious significance or consent.
Key Entities
Supreme Court of IndiaNine-judge benchFemale genital mutilation (FGM)Dawoodi Bohra communityArticles 25 and 26IPC sections 320-326POCSO ActManeka GandhiShashi Tharoor