Gender Justice In The Indian Legal Framework: Analyzing Legal Reforms For Women’s Rights And Protection

Abstract

This research article seeks to discuss the historical development and the present state of gender justice in the Indian legal system concerning the legal changes that have been made to improve the position of women and their protection. In this paper, a critical evaluation of the legal remedies is done with specific reference to judicial pronouncements and legislative changes like the Vishakha Guidelines, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, and recent Supreme Court judgments. The paper is focused on the achievements in combating gender-based violence and discrimination and the problems that remain in this sphere such as socio-cultural factors, low rates of convictions, and discrimination based on multiple factors affecting women from marginalized communities. Comparing with the best practices of Sweden, Canada, and South Africa, the authors reveal the shortcomings of the Indian legal model, which is mainly focused on the reaction and lacks preventive and supportive measures. The study recommends that prevention strategies should be incorporated into the legal framework, police should undergo compulsory training, and the public should be educated on the issue. This research will therefore help in filling this knowledge gap by presenting an analysis of the successes and failures of gender justice in India and contribute to the existing literature on the subject while offering policy recommendations for enhancing women’s rights and protection in the country.