SC pulls up Meghalaya govt for conducting "two-finger test" on minor rape victim

Guwahati: The Supreme Court has pulled up the Meghalaya government for conducting the "two-finger test" on a minor rape victim.

This incident highlights the continued disregard for the court's 2013 ban on unscientific and invasive practice.

The top court directed the Meghalaya government to ensure a complete end to the "two-finger test," emphasizing that it has no legal or scientific basis.

The test, which involves inserting two fingers into the vagina to assess virginity, has been condemned for violating a woman's privacy and dignity.

This is not the first time the top court has addressed this issue.

In 2013, the "two-finger test" was banned due to its lack of scientific merit and its violation of a woman's right to privacy.

The Ministry of Health further solidified this ban with guidelines in 2014.

Despite these efforts, a 2022 bench led by Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Hima Kohli reiterated the ban, highlighting the absence of scientific backing and the inappropriateness of the test.

The recent case involved a special leave petition filed by an accused whose conviction under the POCSO Act was upheld by the high court.

During the hearing on May 7, Justices Ravikumar and Rajesh Bindal noted the need for mandatory forensic examinations conducted with the consent of the rape victim.