The Supreme Court agreed to examine a petition seeking a nationwide ban on female genital mutilation, a practice reported among sections of the Muslim community, particularly the Dawoodi Bohras. A bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan issued notices to the Centre and other respondents, seeking their replies on the matter.
The petition was filed by Chetna Welfare Society, an NGO that argued that female genital mutilation, often referred to as female circumcision, is not an essential religious practice in Islam. The plea stated that the procedure violates the fundamental rights of children and inflicts physical and psychological harm. It called for judicial intervention to prohibit the practice across the country. The court took note of the submissions and directed the Union government to respond. The notice has also been issued to other concerned parties. The bench will consider the matter further after receiving the responses.
The NGO contended that the practice, which is carried out on young girls, has no basis in Islamic teachings and contravenes constitutional protections related to bodily integrity and dignity. It urged the court to recognise the issue as one concerning the welfare and safety of children.
The matter is expected to be taken up again after the Centre files its reply.
