Judgment and rights
The judgment by the Supreme Court of India recognising the abortion rights of unmarried single women is progressive (Page 1, September 30). The patriarchal mindset prevalent in the country has shackled women for too long and the time has come to liberate women. This judgment breaks one of those shackles. Abortion should be an absolute right of any woman subject only to the condition that it does not endanger her life. There are many cases of single women being exploited and facing distress. This judgment comes as a life saver to them. The Court has also protected the absolute right of women over their bodies. Further, the observation on marital rape is another instance of progressive thinking. One cannot help contrasting this judgment with the recent judgment of the U.S. Supreme Court on abortion rights of women in that country.
Kosaraju Chandramouli,
