Female genital mutilation among Bohra community: SC seeks reply from Centre, states

The Supreme Court on Monday sought a ‘detailed reply’ from the Government of India and several states over the issue of ban on female genital mutilation practised among people of Bohra Community. 

The petitioner, Sunita Tiwari in her petition sought a direction to the respondents to implement the resolutions passed in December 2012, by the United Nations General Assembly regarding the rights of the children banning FGM or Khatna or female circumcision of which India is a signatory.

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Sunita also sought a direction to the respondents to put a complete ban on the illegal and inhuman practice of FGM as the same is being in violation of fundamental rights under Article 14&21 and article 39 of the Directive Principles of state policy (DPSP) of the Indian Constitution.

Dominant in Gujarat, the Bohra community in Muslims cut the female genitals of infants and young girls as part of their religious rituals. The ritual is heavy criticised by international human righst activists and is banned by several countries. 

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