Chhattisgarh High Court Rules Virginity Tests Violate Constitutional Rights

The court reaffirmed that forcing a woman to undergo such tests breaches her right to dignity and personal liberty under Article 21.

The Chhattisgarh High Court upheld a family court's decision rejecting a husband's demand for his wife's virginity test in a marital dispute.
Justice Arvind Kumar Verma emphasized that such tests violate Article 21, which guarantees non-derogable rights to dignity and personal liberty.
The court suggested the husband could pursue medical tests or other evidence to address allegations of impotence instead of unconstitutional demands.
The ruling, issued on January 9, 2025, and made public in late March, sets a significant precedent for gender justice and women's rights in India.
The case remains at the evidence stage in the family court, focusing on allegations of impotence and maintenance claims.