The Meghalaya government has issued a strict directive to all medical professionals, ordering the immediate cessation of the controversial ‘Two-Finger Test’ on rape survivors. This announcement was made during a Supreme Court hearing, where Justices JB Pardiwala and Sanjay Karol were reviewing a criminal appeal involving a rape conviction.
Previously, another Supreme Court bench had condemned the use of the invasive test in a separate case, calling it a deeply concerning violation of the victim’s dignity. This case has prompted Meghalaya to take swift action to ensure that such practices do not continue within its medical system.
The state’s Advocate General, Amit Kumar, informed the Court that the government had issued a circular dated June 27, directly aligning with the Supreme Court’s 2022 judgment in the State of Jharkhand vs. Shailendra Kumar Rai case. The ruling had emphasized a total ban on the ‘Two-Finger Test,’ warning that any medical professional who conducted the test would face serious consequences, including charges of misconduct.
The new circular makes it clear that doctors who violate this ban will be subject to disciplinary measures under the Meghalaya Discipline and Appeal Rules 2019. These penalties could range from suspension to other legal actions, depending on the severity of the violation. The state has also directed all government medical personnel to follow the national “Guidelines and Protocols for Medico-Legal Care for Survivors/Victims of Sexual Violence, 2014,” issued by the Ministry of Health.
In addition to prohibiting the test, the government stressed the importance of treating survivors with compassion, emphasizing the need for psychological support and counseling to aid in their recovery.
The Supreme Court bench expressed hope that the circular would be rigorously enforced, stating that future lapses would not be tolerated. The court also upheld the conviction in the case under review, dismissing the appeal on its merits.
