Women centric laws in India

Women centric laws in India

 

Women, more than any time, ever are fighting for respect, equality and understanding. Opportunities for work have spread equally for both genders across most professions. Socio culturally, awareness is rapidly increasing with global discussions about equality. While each country has its unique pace of progress, India is all gearing up to bridge it's gap between the two genders. Here are some notable steps taken by our legal system to contribute in this movement:-

 

 

 

1. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act

Year of enforcement: - 2007.

 As per the Act:-It enforces minimum age limit to marry for a girl as 18 years and a boy as 21 years old. Marriage below this age will be considered illegal.

Action on breach: -Any member who attempts to break the act will face imprisonment for 2 years and a fine of 1 lacks or both.

 

2. Dowry Prohibition Act

Year of enforcement: - 1961

Background- In India, dowry is an age old practice where family of the bride gives money or monetary gifts to the family of bride groom.

As per this act: -  Taking or giving of dowry at the time of the marriage to the bride or the bridegroom and their family was to be penalised.

Action on breach: - This legislation provides for a punishment of imprisonment for minimum 5 years and a fine more than ?15,000 or the value of the dowry received, whichever is higher.

 

3. Indian Divorce Act

Year of enforcement: - 1869

As per the act: -The Indian Divorce Act allows the dissolution of marriage, nullity of marriage, judicial separation and restitution of conjugal rights by mutual consent.

 

4. Maternity Benefit Amendment Act

Year of enforcement: - 2017

As per the act: -

Maternity benefit is applicable for 26 weeks, out of which 8 weeks can be taken before delivery. In this period, she enjoys full payment benefits as per regular employment.

 

5. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) – POSH Act

Year of enforcement: - 2013

According to the act: - This act was enforced to ensure women feel safe in their work environment and are protected from any sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment at the workplace also includes – the use of language with sexual overtones, invasion of private space with a male colleague hovering too close for comfort, subtle touches and innuendoes.

Action on breach: - The employer in noncompliance of the act will be punished with a fine of 50,000 rupees. Extended punishment includes withdrawal of the license or cancellation of registration.

 

6. Equal Remuneration Act

Year of enforcement: -1976

According to the act: - It prevents discrimination in terms of remuneration. It provides for payment of equal recompense for men and women workers.

Action on breach: -Any employer who is caught doing discrimination in remuneration between male and female employees will be punished with fine of minimum ten thousand rupees but which may extend to twenty thousand rupees or with imprisonment for a term of minimum three months but which may extend to one year or with both.

Conclusion:-

All the acts mentioned above set the stage for justice. Now, it's we who have to step up, and fight against discrimination towards any gender, male or female and support others who fight for the cause. A bias free country would develop its citizens robustly.

 

-CA Avanti Jog