The Maharashtra State Commission for Women has issued a suo moto show cause notice to Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi after his remarks that the rape victim too should be punished.
He has been directed to issue an explanation and remain present before the commission on April 25.
"We had received a representation of protest from the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan on Friday. We also issued a suo moto notice to him seeking an explanation about his remarks. We are going to hold a hearing at 11 am on the April 25. If he doesn't remain present on that date, a unilateral order will be passed," an official of the MSCW said.
The notice has been sent by senior counsellor of the commission, Arjun Dangat. It was issued on Friday afternoon.
Mr Azmi had said in an interview to a tabloid that any woman who goes out with a man, with or without her consent, should be punished too.
His statement had caused an >uproar among many people, and the women activists had condemned it.
"Such a statement is completely preposterous and senseless. It shows that they don't understand the meaning of rape," Mumbai-based social activist Flavia Agnes, who is also the co-founder of Majlis, said.
Kavita Krishnan, National Secretary of All India Progressive Women's Association said, "His statement is classic rape culture which equates consensual pre-marital sex with rape and advocates punishment for women. It needs to be said that the khaps say exactly what Azmi says -and they actually mete out death to lovers."
Geeta Seshu, senior journalist and commentator on women's issues, said she felt shocked to hear it. "These are completely regressive and disturbing statements which reflect the misogynist mindset. They show the insensitivity towards the women survivors. Such politicians should not be allowed in public life."
