Forcing Unnatural Sex with Wife Not a Crime

The Chhattisgarh High Court has ruled that forcing unnatural sex on one’s wife is not a punishable offense. The court stated that under Indian law, any sexual act by a husband with his wife, if she is above 15 years of age, cannot be considered rape, even if done without her consent.

The ruling came in response to an appeal by a man who had been convicted by a lower court after his wife died due to unnatural intercourse. Seeking relief, he approached the High Court, which ruled in his favor.

During the hearing, the court observed that since marital rape is not recognized as a crime under Indian law, the same principle applies to unnatural sex within marriage. The judgment has sparked debate over the legal protection available to women in cases of forced sexual acts by their husbands.