SC rap to Calcutta High Court over remarks on young girls; notice issued to West Bengal Govt

New Delhi, December 8: The Supreme Court has strongly criticised the Calcutta High Court for its contentious remarks, advising young girls to "control sexual urge" and not succumb to "two minutes of pleasure," terming the comments as "objectionable and unwarranted."

A Supreme Court Bench issued notices to the West Bengal Government and other parties concerned while asserting that judges should refrain from expressing personal opinions or delivering sermons.

In October, the Calcutta High Court had stated that "every female adolescent should control sexual urge" as societal perceptions might view them as losers when yielding to fleeting moments of sexual pleasure. Additionally, the High Court emphasised the responsibility of young girls in safeguarding the integrity of their bodies, dignity, and self-worth.

Furthermore, the court underscored the obligation on boys to respect a girl's dignity and encouraged them to cultivate a mindset that respects women. It stressed that male adolescents have a duty to honour the aforementioned responsibilities of young girls or women and should train their minds to respect a woman's self-worth, dignity, privacy, and autonomy over her body.

These observations were made during the hearing of a teenager's appeal against his conviction in a rape case involving a minor girl with whom he had a 'romantic affair.' The High Court overturned the sessions court's verdict and called for the implementation of comprehensive sex education in schools to mitigate legal complications stemming from early sexual relationships.