IAS Medha Anand, has get 310 marks in her optional subject sociology, 156 in paper – 1 & 154 marks in Paper-2 in CSE 2023. Notably, Sociology for UPSC has garnered a reputation as one of the Highest scoring optional subjects in the UPSC Main Examination, with numerous candidates consistently achieving 300+. Its popularity is evident in the fact that a significant proportion of top 100 rankers opt for Sociology as their optional subject, showcasing its high scoring potential, particularly for those not from sociology backgrounds. Moreover, relevance of Sociology Optional Syllabus for UPSC extends beyond the examination hall, enriching understanding across various aspects of life, from social and economic to political and cultural domains. In recent times, Sociology Optional has gained traction, aligning with the evolving trend of the UPSC Mains towards conceptual analysis. Unlike other optional subjects with unpredictable question patterns, Sociology offers stability and predictability, making it an attractive choice. This adaptability, coupled with its concise syllabus and relevance to both academic and social spheres, positions Sociology as the ideal optional subject for engineers as well as optional subject for commerce graduates and optional subject for science graduates seeking success in the Civil Services Examination. For those pursuing Sociology as an optional subject, accessing comprehensive Sociology optional notes and few good Sociology optional books, and previous years’ UPSC sociology optional question papers is pivotal for thorough preparation. Additionally, for aspirants seeking guidance, renowned  educator Vikash Ranjan Sir at TRIUMPH IAS coaching institutes in Delhi, offer valuable support and resources. Vikash Ranjan Sir is the Best Sociology Teacher and Triumph IAS is the
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Criminalizing Marital Rape

Why is India Yet to Label Marital Rape as ‘Rape’ When Most Other Countries Do?

Does marriage equate to a woman relinquishing her rights? Women lawyers argue that the Centre’s rationale for not criminalizing marital rape suggests precisely that. In an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court on October 3, the Centre claimed that criminalizing marital rape could undermine the “sanctity of the institution of marriage.” It stated, “While a husband does not possess a fundamental right to violate his wife’s consent, labeling such an act as ‘rape’ may be seen as excessively harsh and disproportionate.”

The government’s stance is based on three main arguments:

• Sexual relations within marriage are grounded in “reciprocal conjugal rights,” which differ from the concept of “consent” applicable outside marriage.
• Removing the marital rape exemption would disrupt the “institution of marriage.”
• Existing laws already provide remedies for such violations.

This perspective perpetuates the notion that women forfeit their rights upon marriage, disregarding consent entirely. Supreme Court lawyer Thuiasi K Raj emphasized that by not recognizing sexual offenses within marriage as ‘rape,’ the government’s approach diminishes the trauma associated with such violations. Radhika Roy, a gender justice lawyer, noted that whether perpetrated by a stranger or a spouse, the violation of a woman’s autonomy remains unchanged.

Data highlights the issue: 83% of women aged 18 to 49 have experienced some form of spousal abuse, with 13% identifying a former husband as the abuser. Legal experts argue that viewing non-consensual sex within marriage as distinct from non-consensual sex outside reflects an outdated belief that marriage grants ownership over a woman’s body.

If criminalizing marital rape threatens the institution of marriage, what does that imply about this institution? While change may be necessary, it is unreasonable to deny recognition of a criminal offense simply due to unfounded fears about its impact on marriage.

The End of the Blog: Criminalizing Marital Rape