NHRC seeks M.P. Government report on virginity test for brides issue

New Delhi, July 21 (ANI): The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo-motu cognizance of a news report under caption "Govt. holds virginity test for MP brides" published in The Hindustan Times dated 13/7/2009.

Considering it as a serious issue of a violation of human rights of the victims, the Commission issued a notice on 17/07/2009 to the Chief Secretary, Madhya Pradesh calling for a factual report within four weeks.

The report alleged that 151 girls who participated in a mass wedding conducted by the Madhya Pradesh government at Shahdol on 26/6/2009 were forced to undergo virginity tests. The mass wedding is a part of a welfare measure under the Mukhyamantri Kanyadaan yojna, started by State in April, 2006. The report also alleged that the gynaecologist manually examined the victims. (ANI)