Vibhuti shouting slogans at Demonstration 22-12-2012

Attitude of the judges in cases of rape is another deplorable area. Some feminist lawyers have put forward a demand of special courts for rape trials to ensure speedy dispensing of justice. Majority of judgements in rape cases are coloured by the preoccupation of the judges with 'past sexual history' of the victim and their notions of 'virginity', 'purity' and 'chastity' of women. Gender-sensitisation programmes for judges must be given top priority by the state.
About redefinition of rape there is a consensus among the women's rights groups that 'rape', 'attempt to rape' and 'violating women's modesty' as they are defined at present must be clubbed together under a heading of 'sexual offence'. It is also suggested that the redefinition of rape must be brought out of the patriarchal confines where 'penetration of penis' only is taken into consideration while defining rape.