MUMBAI: The government is contemplating to bring a legislature, which will make the practice of virginity test punishable, considering it as a sexual assault. It will be termed as a legal violation and after the opinion from the Law and Judiciary Department, a circular will be issued treating it as a punishable offence.

Minister of State for Home Dr Ranjeet Patil had a meeting with a delegation of some social organisations, including Shiv Sena spokesperson Dr Neelam Gorhe discussing the issue of virginity test, which is widely followed in some communities in the State.  

“The government will soon introduce a legislature banning virginity test,” Dr Patil said. 

“The practice of virginity test will be considered as a sexual assault. Hence, it will be termed as a legal violation and after consulting with the Law and Judiciary Department, a circular will be issued treating it as a punishable offence,” Dr Patil further said. 

He also said that his department will hold a bi-monthly review meeting of sexual assault against women and ensure lower pendency.

Dr Patil informed that the police have been already directed in this regard to take suo motu action and the directions have been sent to all police stations.

Dr Neelam Gorhe said that such things are happening in the Kanjarbhat community and it is enforced by caste panchayats. 

“Such incidents are taking place despite the existence of the Maharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott Act 2016,” said Dr Gorhe.

“These incidents are sexual assaults on the bride and whoever opposes the tradition the community boycotts them. This is also not acceptable. So we raised various issues regarding the tradition and demanded to punish the people who force this,” said Dr Gorhe.