Women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi said on Tuesday the Centre was considering criminalizing marital rape. When asked if there was an attempt to push for criminalization of marital rape, Maneka replied, "Now there is." The minister was speaking to the media on the sidelines of an event to launch the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign in 61 additional districts.

While the issue is under the law commission's consideration as part of a review of the criminal justice system, Maneka's statement indicated a strengthening resolve within the government to penalze rape within marriage.

Maneka also expressed hope that a decision on the issue will come soon.

The ministry of women and child development has revised its position on the controversial issue in recent months. On March 10, Maneka had said in the Rajya Sabha that marital rape was unsuited for legislation in the Indian context.

"It is considered that the concept of marital rape, as understood internationally, cannot be suitably applied in the Indian context due to various factors e.g. level of education/illiteracy, poverty, religious beliefs, mindset of the society to treat the marriage as a sacrament," she had said, drawing sharp criticism from women's rights activists campaigning for the cause.