Delhi government bans two-finger test on sexual assault survivors

New Delhi: After coming under fire from all quarters, the Delhi government on Monday banned the controversial two-finger test on sexual assault survivors. Issuing a new advisory, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain said, "It is advised that the medical professionals should not perform the two- finger test unless it is required for treatment purposes."

While asserting that the circular was misinterpreted, Jain denied that the ban was an attempt to save face.

The Aam Aadmi Party government received flak for issuing a circular which said that the controversial two-finger test on rape survivors cannot be completely banned as it may be needed to perform in some cases. According to the circular, the government had directed doctors to compulsorily obtain the consent of the patient before performing the test.

Hitting out at the Delhi government, Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Sambit Patra tweeted, "The Delhi government allows the controversial "Finger Test" for rape victims, despite the Supreme Court having ruled against it in 2013. Disgusting!"

The Congress also attacked the Arvind Kejriwal government over the circular. Senior party leader RPN Singh said, "This is extremely unfortunate. Though there are reports of them taking it back, but still even thinking about it is shocking."

Activists also upped the ante against the Delhi government for issuing the controversial circular. Activist Abha Singh said, "After clear Supreme Court guidelines, how can AAP government send such directions? AAP spoke of empowering women, is this how they intend to do it? AAP's circular is degrading towards all women and it should be withdrawn."

The Supreme Court had in 2013 ruled, "Undoubtedly, the two-finger test and its interpretation violates the right of rape survivors to privacy, physical and mental integrity and dignity. Thus, this test, even if the report is affirmative, cannot ipso facto, be given rise to presumption of consent."

The court also said, "Medical procedures should not be carried out in a manner that constitutes cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and health should be of paramount consideration while dealing with gender-based violence."