What are the Laws for Women in India

Women Laws in India

Women all over the world, especially in Indian society, have subject to discrimination and harassment. Which is administer by a so-called patriarchal society. Women have long been consider as the weakest part of society. And that is why they have been force to believe in the superiority of men. They were always look forward to listen to the masculine gender, which was expect to serve the masculine gender. And were silent when they abuse by those men. A woman who went through all of this by listening without voicing her opinion. It is consider socially acceptable or  illiterate and ashame of her mere presence.

As times change, social and cultural norms are also expect to change. However, it is unfortunate that even in this modern age, when big things are happening and there are big problems in the world. Our society still views women’s freedom and the right to equality as one of the biggest threats.

The problem lies in human thinking, and until male chauvinist attitudes are destroy from the core, women will inevitably be subject to such mistreatment. It is, therefore, very important that women should be educate and acknowledge of the rights preserve in the Indian constitution. So that they do not allow such social oppression and discrimination.

India’s constitution has repeatedly promote the values ​​of equality among citizens and empowered women in all social, cultural and economic spheres. It forbids discrimination on the basis of class, religion, sex, etc. These laws were enact to empower women to live dignified and honorable lives. Gender equality is the essence of the Constitution of India. And therefore, the following are laws enact to protect women’s rights.

Article 14

Article 14 of the Constitution of India guarantees equality for all persons, whether citizens or non-citizens of India. It says:
The state will not prohibit any person from equality before the law or equal protection of the laws in the territory of India.

Article 15

This article prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, ethnicity, gender or birthplace.

• 1st is Section 15 (2) provides for the right of access to public places and services without discrimination.
• 2nd is Section 15 (3) provides for the special protection of women and children by protecting and promoting their interests in all spheres of society.
• 3rd is Section 15 (4) provides for the development and promotion of categories of citizens in the background.

This article was create to promote and increase women’s participation in all activities such as politics, education, etc.. And to improve their social standing.

Article 16

This article states:
No citizen shall know, on the grounds of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, birth, place of birth, residence of any of these, ineligible or discrimination against in connection with any employment or appointment by any office under the state. In other words, it ensures equality in the opportunities of all citizens relate to employment or office under the government.

Article 21

This Article  states:
No one shall be carelessly deprive of his/her nationality nor deny the right to change his/her nationality. It protects two things – the right to life and the right to personal freedom. This includes not only the act of breathing but also the right to a dignified life, dignity, and the right to health care, nutrition and fresh air.

This article covers the privacy policy that women often deny. They are not allow to live independently and are subject to interference in all matters.

Article 23

Article 23 prohibits any form of exploitation. Prohibiting human trafficking or any other form of forced labor and claims that the case is punishable by law. Women and children are often the victims of such crimes.

Article 39

1st is Section 39 (a) promotes justice by providing equal opportunities and free legal aid, to all vulnerable sections of society. This is especially helpful for women, since they are often unable to seek justice through financial or other means.

2nd is Section 39 (d) deals with equal pay for equal work. It is a well-known fact that women do not get the same opportunities in the workplace as men. Men are always given priority over women during promotions and so on. Also, women are often given lower wages than their male counterparts. A problem that needs to be address in depth.

Article 42

This article aims to ensure a humane and positive working environment and the free birth of women.

Women often face inhumane and unfair working conditions. One in four women has experience some form of sexual and psychological abuse at workplace. This article was made to provide relief to women against such abuse.

In the case of Vishakha Ranjan v. State of Rajasthan, a case was open to prevent sexual harassment of women in all workplaces. It was thought that such abuses violate the fundamental rights of women and the principles of gender equality and the right to life and personal liberty.

Article 46

Article 46 deals with the promotion of education and economic interests of vulnerable sections of society. Also the protection of all forms of injustice and exploitation. This has given women, all the educational and economic rights without discrimination.

Article 47

This article include in the DPSP and directs the State. To raise and improve the quality of nutrition and living standard and public health. This gives women basic rights to health care and nutrition. So that they can also develop.

Article 51

Section 51A (e) places an important responsibility on every citizen, to eliminate practices that degrade the dignity of women.

Article 243

Article 243D (3) and Article 243T (3) provide for the reservation of seats for ST/SC Women in the Panchayats and Municipalities. The Article 243D (4) provides for the reservation of the chairman of the Panchayats and the Municipality at each level.
This is one of the most important topics that not only protects the dignity and interests of women, but also puts power in her hands. Which was far from the truth in ancient times.

Article 300

Women have been facing disputes over their property rights. Many cultures and societies deny women from their property rights. Because the men of our society have reserve these rights for themselves.

Article 300A of the Constitution of India provides that no one shall be arbitrarily deprive of his property.

Apart from this, various other provisions have made in the IPC to protect women from crime.

Few important provisions

Section 509

This section consists the issue of eve teasing. Eve’s teasing includes all forms of sexual harassment, whether physical, verbal, or psychological. This is one of the biggest problems women go through in public, which makes her feel insecure and lose her confidence and walk around the community fearlessly. The penalty for such offenses is imprisonment for up to 3 years and also fine.

Section 359, 360, 366

These sections deal with kidnapping crimes. Kidnapping has many meanings. It means kidnapping someone in India. Or kidnapping a lawful guardianship (without the permission of a guardian). It includes the abduction of women, force her to marry, and force her to have sexual relations with him. Such offenses carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and fine.

Section 376, 376A, 376B, 376C, 376D

These sections deal with the most serious crimes, namely rape. Rape is one of the biggest threats to Indian society, and it’s number is growing daily. India is becoming increasingly popular among foreign nations as a result of these crimes. The legislature and the government fail to establish strict laws and penalties for such crimes. And that is the reason it’s increasing day by day. Rape can be different type. It can be rape of a young girl, gang-rape , martial rape etc. Such offences punishment is upto 7 to 20 years of imprisonment or life imprisonment and also fine.

Dowry System

The psychological and physical abuse of women in the name of dowry is common in Indian society for years. Such abuse leads to the death in the form of murder or even suicide by a woman. Laws have enact to punish the criminals of dowry, which carries a penalty for imprisonment and a fine.

Stalking

Women are provided with protection from any form of sexual harassment, whether online, through electronic means, physical contact, etc. Such a practice violates a woman’s privacy and, as such, is a crime punishable by imprisonment for 3-5 years and a fine.

Apart from this, there are various programs being implement for women. Such as the National Commission for Women, the National Plan of Action for the Girl Child, the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, the Women Helpline Scheme etc.

These are some of the cases that women are victims of on a daily basis. Such human rights are fundamental and it is a disgrace to society and the country that women demand them especially to live in society. It is important that women are educated about these rules so that they can live without fear and have the courage to fight for them.

Cyber Crimes

Significant advances in technology may also come with crime. The modern era sees new ways of crime. Cyber ​​crime is one of them. Women are the main victims of this crime. Pornography, bullying, video recording, harassment, and so on. It is necessary for women to be protect from them. And as a result, the penalties for such offenses is imprisonment up to 3 years and a fine.

Also read:- what are the laws for the child labour.