FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION: (A Socio- Legal Perspective In Indian Context)

Abstract The children and the women are exploited all over the world in one way or another, many of the ways are openly practiced against them while some are deeply covered behind the curtains, Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) is one such gruesome method of exploitation of young girls. The practice refers to the forceful cutting or manipulation of the genital organ of young girls in name of cultural and religious beliefs. It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. This paper is aimed at explaining the meaning and the procedures and techniques involved in this derogatory practice along with the harmful effects which it has on the life and dignity of the individuals and the reasons behind its prevalence in the society. The paper also deals the legal status of this practice in India and internationally. It is nearly always carried out on minors thus is a violation of the rights of children. The practice is aimed at gender inequality, attempts to control women's sexuality, and ideas about purity, modesty and beauty. This paper is an attempt to highlight the hidden existence of this life threatening practice behind the curtain of culture and religion in India.