ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the Mathura and Jyoti Singh protests in the context of the feminist movement in India. It explores the Delhi protests in its historical context and describes the longer trajectory of popular mobilization in India with regard to state policy towards sexual violence. The December 2012 gang rape and murder of a student in Delhi led to unprecedented mass street protests across India. As a direct result of the public outcry, the government of India, not usually known for its rapid responses, made significant legislative changes with regard to sexual violence. The international media labeled the 2012 rape case as one that marked a remarkable shift in the Indian public's perceptions and activism in the area of gender violence. The 2012 protests are situated within a larger political history of feminism, sustained campaigns against gendered violence, and resulting legislative change. In particular, the Mathura rape case of 1970s set the stage for public activism leading to policy change.
