Supreme Court slams usage of two-finger test for rape survivors, says practice should be prosecuted

The Supreme Court on Monday slammed the usage of the 'two-finger' test on rape survivors, saying that anyone using the invasive method should be prosecuted.

"It is patriarchal and sexist to suggest that a woman cannot be believed when she states that she was raped merely because she is sexually active," said Justice DY Chandrachud.

The two-judge bench of Justices Chandrachud and Hima Kohli directed the Union Health Ministry to ensure that survivors are not subjected to the 'un-scientific' method going forward.

“This court has time and again deprecated the use of two finger test in cases alleging rape and sexual assault. It re-victimises and re-traumatises women. The two-finger test must not be conducted,” said Justice Chandrachud, reading out the judgement.

India's apex court also directed the Centre to ensure that curriculums at medical schools are revisited to ensure that the two finger test is not prescribed as one of the procedures to be adopted while examining survivors of sexual assault and rape.