Marital rape: India anger as judge frees man accused of raping wife who then died

The recent decision by an Indian judge to acquit a man accused of raping his wife, who subsequently died, has reignited the contentious debate surrounding the issue of marital rape in India, a country that continues to eschew criminalizing such acts. This case has sparked outrage across the nation, drawing attention to the deep-seated legal and societal norms that fail to protect women within the confines of marriage. Marital rape, or the act of sexual assault by a spouse, remains a legal gray area in India. Despite growing calls for reform, the legal system maintains a distinction between rape and marital rape, the latter often shielded by the sanctity of marriage. This controversial stance is rooted in traditional views that perceive marriage as a sacrament, with the wife owing sexual relations to her husband, thereby negating any concept of consent. The recent ruling underscores the urgent need for legal reform in India. Activists and civil society organizations argue that the absence of laws criminalizing marital rape not only denies justice to survivors but also reinforces the idea that men have unrestrained rights over their wives' bodies. Critics of the current legal framework argue that it is antiquated and inconsistent with international human rights standards, which advocate for the protection of women from all forms of violence, including within marriage. The acquittal has led to a resurgence of advocacy efforts, with many pushing for immediate legal changes that explicitly recognize marital rape as a crime. The case serves as a stark reminder of the significant gaps in India's legal protections