The catholicity of marriage in various societies and cultures is ascribed to essential social and personal functions such as sexual gratification and regulation in marital life. Division of labour between sexes, economic production and consumption and quenching personal needs for affection, social status and companionship are also some major factors behind the institution of marriage.
Delhi High Court division bench is hearing a batch of petitions challenging the exception to Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, to the extent that it excludes sexual intercourse by a man with his own wife, the wife being above fifteen years of age, from the offence of rape.