Patna High Court ruling on attempt to rape reignites debate, activists seek judges' training

The debate over how courts interpret sexual offences has intensified after the Patna High Court's observations in an attempt-to-rape case, with women's rights activists and an advocate stressing that judicial reasoning must be guided by the law, constitutional values and survivors' dignity.

The remarks came after the Patna High Court, according to media reports, held that attempting to remove a woman's salwar and pressing her breasts did not amount to an attempt to rape.

The Supreme Court had slammed the High Court's observations and said it would pass a detailed order on the issue.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed serious concern over the "lack of thorough research" before such judgments were delivered.

Speaking to PTI , women's rights activist Yogita Bhayana termed the Patna High Court's observation “very insensitive” and alleged that many of these judges have a patriarchal mindset and are insensitive towards women.