WOMEN PROTECTION LAWS IN INDIA Rights, Remedies and Legal Safeguards --- Slide 1 — Title WOMEN PROTECTION LAWS IN INDIA Rights, Remedies and Legal Safeguards Presented by: Adv. Ananthakrishnan H Speaking note: “Today I am going to discuss the major legal protections available to women in India, the constitutional foundation of these protections, important statutes, criminal-law safeguards and some landmark judicial decisions.” --- Slide 2 — Why Women Protection Laws Are Necessary - Protection of equality and dignity - Prevention of violence and discrimination - Protection against domestic violence - Protection from sexual harassment - Protection against dowry and forced marriage - Access to legal remedies and justice Speaking note: “Women protection laws are not merely about punishment. They are intended to prevent discrimination, protect dignity and provide effective remedies when rights are violated.” --- Slide 3 — Constitutional Safeguards Indian Constitution - Article 14 – Equality before law - Article 15(1) – Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of sex - Article 15(3) – Special provisions for women and children - Article 16 – Equality of opportunity in public employment - Article 21 – Right to life and personal liberty - Article 39(a) – Equal right to adequate means of livelihood - Article 42 – Just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief Speaking note: “The Constitution provides the foundation for women's legal protection. Article 15(3) is particularly important because it permits the State to make special provisions for women and children.” --- Slide 4 — Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 What is Domestic Violence? The Act recognises various forms of abuse, including: - Physical abuse - Sexual abuse - Verbal and emotional abuse - Economic abuse Major Remedies - Protection order - Residence order - Monetary relief - Custody order - Compensation order Speaking note: “Domestic violence is wider than physical assault. Economic abuse, emotional abuse and other forms of controlling behaviour can also fall within the statutory framework.” --- Slide 5 — Who Can Seek Protection? Under the Domestic Violence Act: - A woman in a domestic relationship - Includes relationships by marriage - Family relationships - Certain relationships in the nature of marriage - Shared household situations Important Authorities - Magistrate - Protection Officer - Service Providers - Police Speaking note: “The law provides a mechanism through which an aggrieved woman can approach the appropriate authorities and seek immediate and continuing relief.” --- Slide 6 — Sexual Harassment at Workplace POSH Act, 2013 Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 Key Features - Prohibits sexual harassment at workplace - Provides a complaint mechanism - Requires an Internal Committee in covered establishments - Provides for inquiry into complaints - Places duties on emp