ADDRESSING THE GAP- LACK OF LAWS RELATED TO SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST MALES IN INDIA

Sexual offences are a grave violation of human rights, bodily autonomy, and individual dignity. Yet we see a significant gap in laws related to sexual offences against males and transgender people. In India, the legal system predominantly focuses on female victims of sexual offences, leaving a significant gap in justice for male victims. Sexual offences against males remain overlooked and underreported crimes in India due to deep-rooted patriarchal mindsets and societal biases. The Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita continues to define rape and sexual offences in gender-specific terms and reinforces the conception that only women can be victims of sexual offences. This research paper critically analyses the absence of legal provisions for male survivors, analyzing historical, legal, and societal perspectives. A comparative analysis with legal frameworks of other countries like the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, etc. shows a progressive shift towards gender-neutral sexual offences laws. In contrast, Indian law still criminalizes non-consensual sexual acts primarily based on the victim’s gender. This research paper delves into the historical background, evolution, comparison with laws of other countries, theories, statistical analysis, and future implications of the lack of laws related to sexual offenses against males in India and highlights the urgent need for legislative reforms to ensure gender-neutral sexual offences laws.