A Critical Study on Preventing Female Genital Mutilation in India

Abstract

The expression Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) connotes to a procedure which involves total or partial removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons. It involves damaging or removing healthy and normal female genital tissue, and interferes with the natural functions of the body. Currently, there are four types of FGM which is practised in whole world and amongst that in India, Type 1 of Female Genital Mutilation is generally been carried out which does not mean that there is no prevalence for other types of FGM in India. In our country, it is practised among Bohra Muslim community when the girl is between seven to fifteen years of age for non – medical reasons. The reason for this unwanted practice so far discovered is purely religious or a way to stop women’s urge for sexuality before marriage. Ironically, the community takes its stand to commit these offences in the name of religious practice where there is no mention of ‘Khafd’ in the Quran. The fear which the women has if they reveal the truth is that they will basically will be thrown out of their community and will not be allowed to even participate in any social gatherings. This trauma has made them to live in fear each day and being the victim of it. They are been the victim of so many health problems just because of one illegal practice carried in the name of God. In India, there is no specific mention of FGM anywhere in any of the legislations. Further, the penal laws of the country have categorised it as grievous hurt in some cases and the government feels this is enough to curb the practice. The practice is aimed at gender inequality, attempts to control women's sexuality, and ideas about purity, modesty and beauty. The weak laws of our country with regard to the current issue make these girls a victim of not only a deprived of their human rights but also of constitutional rights as well. In this paper, the basic aim of researcher is to highlight the hidden existence of this life-threatening practice behind the curtain of culture and religion in India. Further, this paper will also highlight the negative impact of this cruel practice on short term and long term on girls and women and to recommend the need for separate laws for its prevention in this perspective.