Supreme Court Examines Petition to Ban Female Genital Mutilation in India

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a petition seeking to prohibit the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) or female circumcision prevalent among certain Muslim communities, particularly the Dawoodi Bohra community.

On Friday, Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan issued notices to the Centre and other parties regarding the plea submitted by NGO Chetna Welfare Society.

The petitioning organization contends that FGM is not an essential Islamic practice and violates children's rights. According to their submission, India currently lacks specific legislation banning this practice, though it constitutes multiple offenses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections 113, 118(1), 118(2), and 118(3).

The petition further notes that under the POCSO Act, touching a minor's genitalia for non-medical purposes constitutes a violation. It references the World Health Organisation's classification of FGM as "a gross violation of the human rights of girls and women."

Additionally, the petition argues that the practice violates fundamental guarantees provided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The NGO emphasizes that FGM poses significant health risks, potentially causing infections, childbirth complications, and other severe physical impairments.

The Supreme Court is now set to hear this case addressing the contentious practice that affects numerous women and girls in specific communities.