Introduction:
- Violence against women encompasses any form of gender-based violence that results in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering, including threats, coercion, or deprivation of liberty in both public and private spheres.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the swift resolution of cases involving crimes against women, emphasizing that quicker judicial decisions instill a greater sense of security for women.
Body:
Government Initiatives for Women’s Safety and Justice
Fast-track Special Courts:
Established in 2019 to expedite cases involving sexual offences. These courts aim to provide timely justice to victims, addressing the delays in trials. District monitoring committees, comprising the district judge, magistrate, and police superintendent, play a key role in overseeing the court’s functioning.
Constitutional Safeguards for Women:
- Article 14: Ensures equality of rights and opportunities for both men and women in political, economic, and social fields.
- Article 15: Prohibits discrimination based on gender, while Article 15(3) empowers the State to make special provisions for women.
- Article 16: Guarantees equal opportunities in government employment.
- Article 39(a): Directs the State to ensure equal livelihood opportunities for men and women.
- Article 39(c): Ensures equal pay for equal work.
- Article 42: Mandates provisions for humane working conditions and maternity leave.
- Article 51(A)(e): Imposes a fundamental duty on every citizen to renounce practices disrespectful to women’s dignity.
National Commission for Women (NCW):
- A statutory body that monitors the implementation of legal safeguards for women, reviews existing laws, and investigates complaints related to the violation of women’s rights. It also proposes amendments to laws as needed.
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005:
- Provides legal remedies and protections against domestic violence, offering civil and criminal law interventions.
National Policy for the Empowerment of Women:
- Aims to promote the overall development of women by eliminating discrimination, changing societal attitudes, and ensuring active participation of women in all aspects of life. This policy advocates for cultural and community reforms to foster gender equality.
Conclusion:
- Prime Minister Modi has highlighted the judiciary’s pivotal role in upholding democratic ideals and constitutional values, emphasizing that the people of India have always maintained faith in the judicial system.
- He urged district judiciaries to adopt modern systems and stressed the importance of the legal community in raising public awareness about judicial reforms, noting that lawyers and bar associations play a crucial role in this transformation.
Example:
The fast-track courts for sexual offences, such as those set up after the Nirbhaya case, serve as an example of the government’s commitment to delivering timely justice. Similarly, the NCW’s proactive stance on reviewing gender-related laws showcases how institutions are addressing women’s issues comprehensively.