International human rights groups and the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women have criticized the Indian government's refusal to criminalize marital rape. The Indian Home Affairs Minister has cited cultural and religious issues as a barrier to changing Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code that defines rape as a crime only when committed outside of marriage. Women’s rights activists have opposed the government’s position and argue that culture in not an excuse to leave women legally and personally vulnerable to sexual violence, inside or outside of marriage.
Compiled from: Saul, Heather, India refuses to criminalise marital rape because of ‘social issues and religious beliefs’ in country, The Independent (May 1, 2015).