Female circumcision issue goes to Constitution Bench
Why it is in news?
- The Supreme Court referred to a five-judge Constitution Bench petitions seeking a declaration that the practice of female circumcision or ‘khafz,’ prevalent in the Dawoodi Bohra sect, amounts to “female genital mutilation (FGM)” and is a violation of women’s right to life and dignity.
female genital mutilation (FGM)
- A Bench of Chief Justice of India observed that the issue deserved to be examined by a Constitution Bench.
- Earlier at hearings Justice had observed that circumcision leaves permanent, emotional and mental scars in a young girl.
- The Chief Justice had orally observed that the Constitution does not allow a person to cause injury to another.
- The Bench had said the practice should be tested in the light of constitutional morality.
Source
The Hindu