No Two-Finger Test, Free Education For Rape Survivors’ Children: Jharkhand HC

Published 9 June 2026 · india

No Two-Finger Test, Free Education For Rape Survivors’ Children: Jharkhand HC Published By, Last Updated: June 09, 2026, 18:30 IST The HC also directed Jharkhand

No Two-Finger Test, Free Education For Rape Survivors’ Children: Jharkhand HC Published By, Last Updated: June 09, 2026, 18:30 IST The HC also directed Jharkhand Govt to ensure that free and compulsory education up to Class XII is given to the children born out of rape incidents. Rapid Read During the hearing, the High Court expressed concern over the social stigma faced by survivors of sexual violence and voiced hope for a gradual change in the prevailing "victim-blaming public attitude". (Representative Image) The Jharkhand High Court has directed the state government to issue a circular prohibiting the controversial “two-finger test" in all government and private hospitals, reiterating that the practice has no scientific basis and violates the dignity and rights of sexual assault survivors. A division bench comprising Chief Justice M S Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar passed the direction while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) on the protection, rehabilitation and welfare of rape survivors. The court also warned that any violation of the proposed circular would be treated seriously and could invite action for professional misconduct in accordance with the law, The Indian Express reported.

Court Flags Victim-Blaming And Social Ostracism During the hearing, the High Court expressed concern over the social stigma faced by survivors of sexual violence and voiced hope for a gradual change in the prevailing “victim-blaming public attitude". The bench observed that in several cases, rape survivors and their families struggle to continue living in their native localities because of insensitive behaviour from neighbours and members of the community. “In some cases, victims are socially ostracised, causing immense hardship and psychological distress not only to the survivors but also to their family members," the court noted. Free Education To Rape Survivor’s Children The HC also directed Jharkhand’s Department of School Education and Literacy to appoint nodal officers in every district to ensure that free and compulsory education up to Class XII is given to the children born out of rape incidents. Focus On Rehabilitation Of Survivors The observations came as part of the court’s broader examination of measures required for the protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of sexual assault survivors. The High Court stressed that ensuring medical dignity, psychological support and social acceptance for survivors is as important as prosecuting offenders, and called for greater sensitivity from both institutions and society.