Synopsis : Mains Marathon Answers – UPSC Mains Current Affairs Questions – September 8

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1. The nine–judge Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court has ruled that individual privacy is intrinsic to life and liberty. What was the Supreme Court verdict on homosexuality in the privacy judgment? What implications does the ruling have on Section 377?(GS 2)

Synopsis:

• In the introduction you can provide a brief history of section 377 in India and why it is news again now
• Then try to elaborate on what the Supreme court judgement of right to privacy with respect to homosexuality is :
• sexual orientation is part of one’s right to privacy.
• sexual orientation lie at the core of the fundamental rights
• Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is deeply offensive to the dignity and self-worth of the individual.
• Now focus on the how this judgement lays down the future of section 377
  • Past stand of supreme court regarding this section could be history soon
  • likely to challenge the ways in which personal laws operate in India
  • Section 377 could no more be valid
  • Also try to show some concerns as right to privacy is not an absolute right
• Conclude on a positive note glorifying this judgement.

Sources:

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/jibber-jabber/what-the-union-governments-submissions-on-marital-rape-in-the-delhi-high-court-tell-us/

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/criminalising-marital-rape-may-destabilise-institution-of-marriage-centre-tells-delhi-hc/story-gmt8sh4eAAoc2w2kvOSHkJ.html

2. Do you think that marital rape as a law is being misused? Should marital rape be criminalized? Give your opinion.(GS 1)

Synopsis:

• In the introduction try defining what marital rape is and show some facts.
• Provide both pro and con arguments about the misuse of the law against marital rape
  • Some of the arguments in favour could be:
    • It will destabilize the institution of marriage
    • Used to harass husbands
    • International concept cannot be applied to India etc
  • Some of the points against showing why India needs a law against marital rape are:-
    • Keeping check on marital rape
    • Even married women are protected under law
    • Act as a deterrent for discrimination and abuse of women at home
    • Enforces that married women have right of full control over her body
  • Provide some suggestions or recommendations by committees and what India’s course should be with respect to marital rape

Sources:

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/supreme-court-right-to-privacy-judgment-bats-for-homosexuality/1/1032940.html

https://thewire.in/170565/section-377-right-to-privacy-supreme-court/

3. “You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind.”  Comment.(GS 4)

Synopsis:

• First start by what Gandhi meant about the statement and explain
• Give some examples about strong people are not who are physically strong but has a strong mind
• Then you can show that mind can never be imprisoned and one is free to think what ever they want.
• How strength of the mind is emphasized by other qualities like perseverance, not giving up etc
• How the statement is applicable to leadership,administration can also be written.
• Conclude on a positive note