New Delhi, Aug 17: The recent guidelines released by the Ministry of Home Affairs instructs police officials to ensure two-finger test or vaginal examinations is not conducted on rape victims.

The 'MHA Guidelines for Forensic Medical Examination in Sexual Assault Cases',  released on July 25, has been circulated to the director general of police (DGPs) across the nation.

The guidelines task the police to perform a dual role in cases of sexual assault -- providing medical treatment and psychological support to the victim, while collecting biological evidence which would aid the prosecution to prepare a tight case.

The two-finger test or vaginal examination was earlier conducted during the forensic examination to ascertain whether the accused forced an intercourse on the victim, and to record whether she has sustained any physical injuries in her private parts.

The practice involved the examiner to insert two fingers in the private parts of the victim to to determine if the person has experienced sexual intercourse. The practice was barred by the Supreme Court in 2013, asking the government to ensure alternative medical procedures to confirm sexual assault.

The guidelines issued vide a letter by the MHA were prepared by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Chandigarh. They were issued by the MHA's nodal unit - the Directorate of Forensic Sciences Services (DFSS).

Dr SK Jain, director, CFSL said the report containing the guidelines has been forwarded to the home secretaries of all states and union territories, along with the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) and inspector general, women’s safety, to ensure maximum compliance.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 17, 2018 08:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).