An unelected all-male village council in India has ordered that 23-year-old Meenakshi Kumari and her 15-year-old sister be raped and paraded naked.
The 'sentence' was handed down as punishment after their brother eloped with a married woman.
Nothing could justify this punishment. It's not fair. It's not right. And it's against the law. Demand that the local authorities intervene immediately.
Unelected village councils such as this are widespread in parts of India. More often than not they are made up of older men from dominant castes, who prescribe rules for social behaviour in villages.
The supreme court of India has branded their decrees illegal, yet in some states they continue to operate – and their punishments are carried out.
The whole family, including the eloped woman, are at risk of reprisals.
Act now to demand the safety of Meenakshi Kumari, her sister and family.
To: Director General of Police
I call on you to ensure the safety of Meenakshi Kumari, her sister and the rest of their family.
I ask you to immediately investigate the khap panchayat’s orders to rape the sisters, and where sufficient evidence exists, prosecute the suspects.
[Your comments here]
Yours sincerely
[Your name here]
Atualização #18 anos atrás
16/09/2015: The Supreme Court, responding to a petition filed by 23-year-old Meenakshi Kumari, directed the Delhi Police to provide the family with protection while they live in Delhi, fearful of returning to their village. Now we need the Uttar Pradesh authorities to ensure the family receives justice. If the family is unable to return to their village, they must receive the support they need to live elsewhere in safety and with dignity.
