Question : AGNI PAREEKSHA OF WOMEN

(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned `bank to barbarism` appearing in Pioneer dated the July 9, 2002;

(b) if so, the facts of the matter reported therein;

(c) whether the National Commission for Women has submitted any report in this regard;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to avert such incidents in future?

MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI S. B. MOOKHERJEE)

(a) & (b) Yes Sir. According to the news-item, a newly wedded woman in Indore was subjected to Agni Pareeksha by placing a red-hot iron rod on her palms to prove her fidelity.

(c) No Sir.

(d) Does not arise.

(e) The law enforcing agencies are vigilant to avert recurrence of such incidents in future.