Comprehensive Review and Recommendations for Evaluation of Sexual Potency of Male in Context of Current Indian legal system

Authors

  • S P Akhade Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur.
  • P Kothari Additional Professor,Department of Urology. Topiwala National Medical College & BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai.
  • P R Sabale Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology. Topiwala National Medical College & BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai.
  • K H Chavali Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/jiafm.2023.45.1.23

Keywords:

Impotence, Potency test, Indian legal system, Medicolegal examination

Abstract

To discuss the current practice, standard procedures and recommendations for evaluation of male impotence/sexual dysfunction in context  of the Indian legal system. Evaluation of a man for potency is done for various reasons like accusation of rape, non-consummation of  marriage in a plea for annulment or compensation claims arising out of damage to sexual function secondary to accidents or any other  means. Such evaluation is done after requisition by investigating officers in criminal cases or by the person himself in civil cases to verify  or rule out allegations of impotence. It is a common practice for Indian police to request a potency examination in almost every case of  sexual assault, despite the fact that the examination has very little impact on the outcome of the case in court. In the Indian scenario, even  after a complete evaluation for impotence, medicolegal opinion is framed in a nebulous double negative format rather than a precise  scientific manner. The Indian courts would welcome such examination in relevant case and desire that the experts frame objective and  unequivocal opinions. Various articles, books, court judgments were reviewed to determine the current practice followed in determination  of sexual potency in males. Asystematic effort is made to make the examination completely justifiable with a more objective and scientific  opinion.  

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Published

2023-05-12

How to Cite

Akhade, S. P., Kothari , P., Sabale , P. R., & Chavali , K. H. (2023). Comprehensive Review and Recommendations for Evaluation of Sexual Potency of Male in Context of Current Indian legal system . Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine, 45(1), 95-101. https://doi.org/10.48165/jiafm.2023.45.1.23