Empower Women by Strictly Implementing the Law – Supreme Court 

Empower Women by Strictly Implementing the Law – Supreme Court 

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Vulnerable section

Context: –

• The Supreme Court emphasized that women do not need sympathy but empowerment in society.
• The observation was made on the eve of International Women’s Day by Justice Bela Trivedi.
• Justice Trivedi is one of the only two women judges currently serving in the Supreme Court, the other being Justice B.V. Nagarathna.

Exchange Between the Court and the Senior Advocate

Statement on “Ladies at Home”

• The senior advocate initially stated that “ladies at home” need to be empowered.
• Justice Trivedi clarified that empowerment is needed not just for “ladies at home” but for all women.

Argument on the Case

• The case in question was from Tamil Nadu, involving allegations of sexual harassment and molestation.
• The accused had been in custody for seven months.
• The defense lawyer argued that the case involved a simple injury and not an attempt to murder.

Court’s Stand on the Injury

• Justice Trivedi rejected the argument that the injury was “simple.”
• The injury was identified as a strangulation attempt using a nylon rope.

Final Decision by the Supreme Court

• The court issued a notice to the State on the limited question of reconsidering the sentence.
• However, it upheld the seriousness of the injury and the need for strict legal enforcement.

Women Empowerment Provisions

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 14 – Ensures equality before the law.
• Article 15(3) – Allows the State to make special provisions for women and children.
• Article 16 – Provides equal opportunities in public employment.
• Article 39(a) – Ensures the right to an adequate means of livelihood for men and women.
• Article 42 – Directs the State to provide just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
• Article 243D & 243T – Reserves one-third of seats for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies.

 Legal Provisions

• The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 – Protects women from domestic abuse.
• The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 – Criminalizes giving and taking dowry.
• The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 – Prevents workplace harassment.
• The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (Amended in 2017) – Provides maternity leave and benefits.
• The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 – Prevents child marriages.
• The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 – Grants equal property rights to daughters.

Government Schemes for Women Empowerment

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) – Promotes girl child education and prevents female foeticide.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) – Provides financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women.
• One Stop Centre Scheme – Offers support to women affected by violence.
• Mahila Shakti Kendra – Provides skill development and employment opportunities.
• Ujjwala Scheme – Provides free LPG connections to reduce health hazards from traditional cooking fuels.
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana – Encourages savings for a girl child’s education and marriage.

Institutional Mechanisms

• National Commission for Women (NCW) – Addresses grievances and advocates women’s rights.
• Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) – Implements policies for women’s welfare.
• Women’s Helpline (181) – Provides immediate assistance to women in distress.
• NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) – Supports women entrepreneurs