Fri Mar 21 11:59:21 UTC 2025: ## Union Minister Condemns Allahabad High Court Ruling on Rape Definition
**New Delhi, March 21, 2025** – Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi has strongly condemned the Allahabad High Court’s ruling that grabbing a woman’s breasts and snapping her pyjama strings does not constitute rape or attempted rape. She urged the Supreme Court to intervene, calling the decision unacceptable in a civilized society.
The High Court’s ruling stemmed from a case involving an 11-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh who was assaulted in 2021. The attackers grabbed her breasts, tampered with her clothing, and attempted to drag her away before fleeing. The court classified the incident as assault rather than rape.
Minister Devi expressed deep concern over the potential societal impact of the ruling, stating it could send a dangerous message and negatively affect the fight against sexual violence. She vowed to further discuss the issue.
The ruling has drawn widespread criticism. Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal called it “shameful and absolutely wrong,” questioning the message it sends regarding crimes against children. CPI general secretary D. Raja described the court’s interpretation of sexual violence as “appalling” and a trivialization of the trauma experienced by survivors. He criticized the ruling as highlighting the persistent influence of patriarchy within institutions. All three politicians echoed concerns about the court’s credibility. The case has ignited a national debate on the definition of rape and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
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