Supreme Court to Examine Female Genital Mutilation Ban Plea

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a petition seeking a ban on female genital mutilation, mainly practiced by the Dawoodi Bohra community. The plea, filed by Chetna Welfare Society, argues that FGM is not an essential Islamic practice and violates children's rights and international human rights agreements.

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to consider a plea demanding a prohibition on the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), predominantly occurring among Muslims within the Dawoodi Bohra community.

A bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan issued notices to the government and related parties in response to the petition brought forth by the NGO, Chetna Welfare Society.

The petition contends that FGM is not a necessary Islamic ritual and infringes upon children's rights, pointing out it is classified by the World Health Organization as a grave violation of the rights of girls and women globally.

(With inputs from agencies.)