Shashi Tharoor Proposes Bill to Criminalize Marital Rape in India

Shashi Tharoor has taken a significant step by proposing a private bill in the Lok Sabha to criminalize marital rape in India. He stresses the need for constitutional values to be upheld, advocating for women's rights to bodily autonomy and dignity within marriage. Alongside this, Tharoor has also introduced two additional bills aimed at improving occupational safety and restructuring states and union territories. This move has sparked discussions on the urgent need for legal reforms in India regarding marital relationships.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 6, 2025, 15:04 IST

Tharoor Advocates for Marital Rape Legislation

On Friday, Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor introduced a private bill in the Lok Sabha aimed at classifying marital rape as a criminal offense. He emphasized the importance of upholding India's constitutional values.

The MP from Thiruvananthapuram expressed on social media platform 'X' the urgent need to recognize marital rape as a crime, presenting a private bill to amend the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Tharoor stated, "India must uphold its constitutional values, and 'no' should mean 'no' just as 'yes' should mean 'yes.' Every woman deserves the fundamental right to bodily autonomy and dignity within marriage. The time for action is now."

Additionally, Tharoor introduced two other private bills concerning amendments to the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, and the establishment of a reorganization commission for states and union territories to recommend restructuring.