Pune Techie Confesses to Son's Murder Amid Marital Suspicions

A recent ruling by a high court in Chhattisgarh, India, has ignited widespread anger as a 40-year-old man was acquitted of charges of raping his wife, who subsequently died. The High Court's Justice Narendra Kumar Vyas stated that marital rape is not recognized as a criminal offense in India, thus overturning a previous conviction that included "culpable homicide not amounting to murder" and a ten-year sentence.
The case dates back to December 2017 when the victim was allegedly sexually assaulted by her husband, leading to severe injuries that caused her death hours later. Activists and legal experts have condemned the judgment, with lawyer Sukriti Chauhan calling it "morally abhorrent" and indicative of systemic failures in the legal system regarding women's rights.
India remains one of over 30 countries that do not criminalize marital rape, despite a growing chorus of petitions urging changes to the longstanding laws. The Indian government has defended the legal framework, asserting that it adequately protects women. However, advocates argue for urgent reforms to safeguard against domestic violence and ensure women's autonomy.