New Delhi, Feb 2 : To condemn every marriage in this country as a violent marriage and to condemn every man in the country as a rapist is not advisable, Women and Children Development Minister Smriti Irani said on Wednesday in Parliament. The minister was responding to a query by CPI MP Binoy Viswam over marital rape in Rajya Sabha.”I am sure that the erudite and senior member knows that rule 47 of the Rajya Sabha disallow to elaborate on a subject which is currently subjudice,” said Irani as the matter is pending in Delhi High Court. BJP MP Sushil Modi also said that if the government criminalises marital rape, the institution of marriage would end.
“It will be very difficult to decide when a wife gave consent or when she didn’t,” he said. Irani said that rules of the Rajya Sabha disallow her to elaborate on a subjudice matter, but added that the opinion of Modi finds a reflection in the 172nd report of the Law Commission and also in a report of the department related Parliamentary standing committee of Home Affairs in 2013. The minister said that protection of children and women is a priority of all. “The government’s endeavour is to protect women in this country in collaboration with the state governments.
Currently over 30 helpline are active in the country which have assisted over 66 lakh women. 703 One Stop Centers which are functional in this country which have assisted over five lakh women,” she said. The Ministry implements the OSC Scheme across the country with effect from 1st April 2015 under Nirbhaya Fund with the objective to provide integrated support and assistance under one roof with a range of services including police, medical, legal aid and counseling, psychological support to women affected by violence (including domestic violence) – both in private and public spaces, Irani said. Under the scheme, government provides 100% financial assistance directly to Districts for setting up and management of OSCs.
