Addressing Marital Rape: Shashi Tharoor Calls for Legal Reform

Shashi Tharoor highlights the need for legal reform on marital rape in India, criticizing the lack of serious legal repercussions for husbands who force non-consensual sex within marriage. Speaking at a program by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, he discussed the outdated beliefs regarding marriage and called for stronger gender rights advocacy.

During a recent event by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed shock over India's approach to marital rape, despite having stringent anti-rape laws. Marital rape is not treated with the gravity it deserves, allowing exceptions for husbands, Tharoor argued.

He emphasized the need for new laws, criticizing current assumptions that marriage sanctifies all interactions within it. According to Tharoor, such outdated notions should be challenged, and impunity for marital rape must end, especially for separated couples.

Tharoor also touched on global hostility towards immigrants, urging Indian scholars abroad to gain knowledge and return home. He emphasized staying true to one's values in political life, rejecting the idea of being just another politician.

(With inputs from agencies.)