Criminalisation of Marital Rape: An Exigency in the Age of Gender Equality

Women are the beacon of a mature and thriving civilisation. The flourishment of a civilisation lies in the dignified and respectable position of women in the society. However, they have been fighting for their rights since the very inception of humanity. Beginning with primitive age till today, women have been constantly subjugated by the male section of the society. However, with the coming of 21st century, the scenario has transformed significantly and now women are competing at par with their male counterparts in almost every arena of social existence. Be it economy, medical, arts, politics, governance or any other field women are leading and sometimes even outperforming their male counterparts. Ironically, in the age of gender equality, gender inequality persists in the most derogatory form, that puts question on the very standing of women in the society. One such source of gender inequality, is the draconian provision of Marital Rape Exception in the criminal laws of India. This article aims to explore various dimensions pertaining to the issue of Criminalisation of Marital Rape in India. The article has been divided into various parts to provide a comprehensive insight into the issue of marital rape and the necessity of criminalising it.