Ex-CJI UU Lalit Criticises New Penal Law BNS for Not Making Rape a Gender-Neutral Offence
Former Chief Justice of India U.U. Lalit has sharply criticised the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for failing to make the law on rape gender-neutral. He expressed serious concern that adult male victims of sexual assault remain without remedy, leaving a significant gap in India’s criminal justice system.
Dr. Anthony Raju, Advocate Supreme Court, Chairman of the Indian National Human Rights Protection Council, and one of India’s leading Criminal Advocates, has strongly echoed these concerns.
> “Law must evolve with society. Rape and sexual assault are grave human rights violations irrespective of gender. By limiting protection only to women, the new BNS not only excludes adult male victims but also violates the very principle of equality before law under Article 14 of the Constitution. Justice cannot be selective. Every victim deserves dignity, recognition, and remedy. A gender-neutral framework is the urgent need of the hour to ensure real justice and uphold human rights.” – Dr. Anthony Raju
He further appreciated the stand taken by Ex-CJI UU Lalit, stating that such judicial voices highlight the urgent reforms needed in India’s criminal law to ensure inclusivity, fairness, and true protection of human rights.
#DrAnthonyRaju #HumanRights #CriminalLaw #JusticeForAll #SupremeCourtAdvocate #GenderNeutralLaw #BharatiyaNyayaSanhita #EqualityBeforeLaw #UUlalit #RapeLawReform
