Author: Aparajita Gupta

Let’s dive into a topic that’s been a heavy part of the social fabric in India for way too long: dowry. We’re talking about a practice where the bride’s family gives cash, gifts, or property to the groom’s family as part of the marriage. It sounds old-fashioned, right? Well, it is. But it’s also a reality that continues to impact countless lives, despite laws trying to stop it. So, what’s the deal with dowry, why is it still happening, and what’s the law doing about it? Let’s break it down.

Dowry: More Than Just a Gift

Let’s be clear: Giving gifts to loved ones is a beautiful thing. But dowry isn’t just about a sweet little present. It’s a demand, often a heavy one, placed on the bride’s family. It can range from electronics and furniture to cars, houses, or even large sums of money. The expectation is that the bride is “bringing something” to the marriage – essentially paying for her place in the new family. This turns a marriage, which should be about love and partnership, into a financial transaction. The pressure to meet these demands can be immense, leading to crippling debt for the bride’s family and immense stress and vulnerability for the bride herself.

Why Does Dowry Still Happen?

If dowry is so harmful and outdated, why hasn’t it disappeared already? The reasons are complex and rooted deep in social norms:

Tradition and Social Expectation: “That’s just how it’s always been done” is a powerful force. Dowry has been a part of the marriage custom in some communities for centuries, and breaking with tradition can be difficult. Social pressure to conform is intense.

Status Symbol: For some, the amount of dowry received is seen as a status symbol, reflecting the groom’s (or his family’s) worth and prestige. It becomes a way to “show off” within the community.

Economic Security (Perceived): Historically, dowry was sometimes seen as a way to provide the bride with some economic security in her new home. However, this justification is outdated, as women are increasingly educated and financially independent.

Gender Inequality: The dowry system is ultimately a symptom of deeper gender inequality. It reflects the idea that women are somehow a burden or a financial liability, rather than equal partners.

The Dowry Prohibition Act: A Law With Good Intentions

Recognizing the injustice and harm caused by dowry, the Indian government passed the Dowry Prohibition Act in 1961. The main goal? To ban the practice of giving, taking, or demanding dowry. Here’s a quick rundown of what the Act says:

Dowry is Illegal: Plain and simple, demanding, giving, or taking dowry is against the law.

Penalties: Those who violate the Act can face imprisonment (up to several years) and fines.

Gifts Are Okay (With a Catch): The Act does allow for “voluntary” gifts given without any demand or pressure. These gifts should be of a reasonable value and given directly to the bride.

Complaints Can Be Filed: If dowry is demanded or given, the bride (or her family) can file a complaint with the police.

Dowry Prohibition Officers: The government is supposed to appoint officers to enforce the Act and raise awareness about the issue.

So, Did the Act Solve the Problem? Not Exactly…

While the Dowry Prohibition Act was a step in the right direction, it hasn’t completely eradicated the practice. Dowry remains prevalent in many parts of India, often in hidden or disguised forms. Here’s why the Act hasn’t been fully effective:

Difficult to Prove: Dowry demands are often made subtly or indirectly, making it hard to prove in court. Families may be hesitant to report the groom’s family for fear of social stigma or further harassment.

Social Pressure: As mentioned earlier, the deep-rooted social acceptance of dowry makes it difficult to challenge. Families often feel compelled to give dowry to maintain their social standing.

Lack of Enforcement: The Dowry Prohibition Act is not always effectively enforced. Dowry Prohibition Officers may lack the resources or authority to investigate and prosecute cases.

Loophole for Gifts: The provision allowing “voluntary” gifts has sometimes been misused to disguise dowry transactions.

Beyond the Law: What Else Needs to Change?

Laws are important, but they can only go so far. To truly tackle the dowry problem, we need a broader societal shift:

Empowerment of Women: Education, economic independence, and equal opportunities for women are crucial. When women are valued for their own abilities and contributions, they are less likely to be seen as a burden.

Changing Social Norms: We need to challenge the traditional beliefs and attitudes that perpetuate the dowry system. This requires open conversations, awareness campaigns, and role models who reject dowry.

Community Involvement: Local communities, religious leaders, and NGOs can play a vital role in raising awareness and supporting families who refuse to give or take dowry.

Stronger Enforcement: The government needs to strengthen the enforcement of the Dowry Prohibition Act, provide better support for victims, and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.

It’s On Us

Dowry is more than just a tradition; it’s a social evil that devalues women and perpetuates inequality. While the Dowry Prohibition Act is a legal tool to combat this practice, it requires the support of a community to fully put an end to it. We all have a role to play in challenging the social norms that allow it to continue. By educating ourselves, speaking out against dowry, and empowering women, we can create a society where marriage is based on love and respect, not financial transactions.

Hey everyone, let’s talk about something we all use every single day: social media. It’s where we share baby photos, argue about pizza toppings, find old friends, and, let’s be honest, sometimes vent our frustrations. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok – they’re our digital town squares. But have you ever stopped to think about the legal tightrope we walk every time we hit ‘post’ or ‘tweet’? Specifically, how does all this online chatter bump up against old-school laws designed to protect people’s reputations, namely, defamation law? It’s a fascinating, messy, and incredibly relevant clash.

Remember When ‘Going Viral’ Wasn’t a Thing?

Before we dive into the chaos of today, let’s quickly rewind. Defamation, in simple terms, is when someone spreads a false statement about you that harms your reputation. Think of it as unlawful gossip that causes real damage. Traditionally, lawyers split hairs between libel (written lies, like in a newspaper) and slander (spoken lies). To win a defamation case back then, you generally had to show someone published a factual lie about you (not just an opinion), told at least one other person, was careless or malicious about it, and actually hurt your standing in the community or cost you money. The key things were: identifiable author/speaker, a relatively limited audience (compared to now!), and a slower pace. A nasty rumour might spread through town, but it wouldn’t circle the globe by lunchtime.

Then Came the Internet… Kaboom!

Social media didn’t just change things; it strapped a rocket to them. Suddenly, everyone got a printing press and a broadcast tower rolled into one tiny app on their phone. That scathing comment you typed out in 30 seconds? It can reach thousands, potentially millions, almost instantly. A ‘share’ or ‘retweet’ acts like pouring gasoline on a fire. The sheer speed and reach are mind-boggling. What might have been a private grumble or a barstool rant is now potentially a public declaration seen worldwide. This amplification effect is ground zero for why defamation law is having such a headache adapting. The old rules were built for horses and buggies, and we’re now dealing with warp speed.

Why Online Dirt Spreads So Fast (and Sticks Around)

Several things make social media a perfect storm for reputational damage. First, there’s the casual factor. We often type things online we’d never say to someone’s face. It feels less formal, more immediate, and sometimes, frankly, less real. We react quickly, sometimes emotionally, without always checking facts or considering the impact.

Then there’s the anonymity illusion. Hiding behind a username like “KeyboardWarrior123” can make people feel invincible, leading them to say cruel or outright false things they wouldn’t dare say under their real name. While you can often track people down legally, it’s a hassle and requires jumping through hoops, which definitely emboldens the trolls.

And maybe the scariest part? Permanence. Even if you delete that angry tweet, screenshots live forever. Google caches things. The Wayback Machine archives pages. That digital dirt can follow someone around for years, popping up in searches, potentially costing them jobs, relationships, or peace of mind. Unlike yesterday’s newspaper lining the birdcage, online content has a zombie-like ability to keep coming back.

The Law Scratches Its Head: Big Problems

Trying to apply hundred-year-old legal ideas to this digital Wild West throws up some serious roadblocks.

Where Did It Happen? (Jurisdiction): Okay, picture this: Someone in Australia posts something nasty on Facebook (based in the US) about someone living in Germany. Where do you sue? The post was technically “published” wherever someone read it. So… everywhere? This is a huge legal tangle. Courts try to figure out where the harm was really felt or if the poster targeted a specific place, but it’s messy and inconsistent. Trying to enforce a court order from one country in another? Good luck with that!

Who Are You? (Anonymity): As mentioned, finding the real person behind an anonymous account is tough. Victims often need court orders to force platforms or internet providers to give up user info. It costs time and money, and sometimes the trail just goes cold (think VPNs, burner accounts). It’s a massive hurdle for people trying to hold their online attackers accountable.

Can We Blame Facebook/Twitter? (Platform Liability): This is the million-dollar question, especially in the US. Thanks to a law called Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, platforms generally aren’t legally responsible for what their users post. Think of them like the phone company – they provide the lines, but they aren’t liable if someone uses the phone to plan a crime (or, in this case, defame someone). This law was created way back in 1996 to help the internet grow without platforms being sued into oblivion for every user comment. But now? Critics say it gives behemoths like Facebook and Google a free pass to profit from harmful content without consequences. Supporters argue it’s essential for free speech online and that platforms couldn’t possibly police billions of posts otherwise. Reforming Section 230 is one of the hottest debates right now. (Other regions like the EU have similar, but not identical, rules).

How Much Damage Did It Really Do? (Damages): How do you put a price tag on a reputation shredded by a viral lie? Is it worse than a defamatory article in the local paper? Maybe the reach is wider online, but perhaps the impact feels less intense because there’s so much noise. Proving you lost a specific job or contract solely because of that tweet can be tricky, though courts are increasingly recognizing the serious emotional toll.

Is It Too Late to Sue? (Statute of Limitations): Most places have a time limit to file a lawsuit (often 1-3 years for defamation). But when does the clock start online? When the post first appeared? Every time someone shares it? Most courts follow a “single publication rule” – the clock starts ticking from the first post. But again, it’s not always straightforward.

This Isn’t Just Theory – It Hurts Real People

We’re not just talking legal jargon here. Imagine being falsely accused online of something terrible – theft, abuse, incompetence. Suddenly, your notifications explode. Strangers attack you. Friends look at you differently. Your boss calls you in. It can be devastating. People have lost jobs, seen relationships crumble, and suffered intense anxiety and depression because of lies spread on social media.

Businesses aren’t immune either. A flood of fake negative reviews, a competitor spreading false rumours, or a viral post misrepresenting a product can sink a small business or cause massive stock drops for larger ones. The line between legitimate criticism (which is protected speech) and defamatory falsehoods can get blurry fast online, especially when mobs form (“cancel culture” sometimes plays a role here, whether justified or not). The fear of getting sued can also silence people who have genuine criticisms, creating a “chilling effect” on important conversations.

What Are the Big Tech Companies Doing?

Platforms aren’t just sitting back doing nothing (though critics might disagree). They have armies of moderators (human and AI) and complex rules about what you can and can’t say. You can report posts you think are defamatory, and they have processes to review and potentially remove them or penalize the user.

But let’s be real: policing billions of posts in hundreds of languages 24/7 is an almost impossible task. Enforcement feels inconsistent. One person’s “harmful lie” is another’s “strong opinion.” Mistakes happen. Algorithms aren’t perfect. Finding that sweet spot between removing genuinely awful stuff and censoring legitimate speech is incredibly hard, and platforms face constant criticism from all sides.

Where Do We Go From Here?

This isn’t a problem with easy answers. But people are definitely talking about solutions:

Changing the Rules (Platform Liability): The debate around Section 230 (and similar laws elsewhere) isn’t going away. Should platforms have more responsibility, especially for blatant lies or coordinated attacks? If so, how much, without crippling the internet?

Working Together (International Rules): We need better ways for countries to cooperate on cross-border online defamation cases. Consistent rules would make a huge difference.

Getting Smarter (Digital Literacy): Maybe the best defense is a good offense. We all need to get better at spotting misinformation, thinking before we share, and understanding the impact our online words can have. Teaching digital citizenship in schools is crucial.

Faster Fixes (Alternative Dispute Resolution): Maybe full-blown court cases aren’t always the answer. Could specialized mediation or arbitration services help resolve online defamation disputes more quickly and cheaply?

Tech Tools (AI?): Can technology help? Maybe AI can get better at flagging potentially defamatory content, but we need to be super careful about accuracy and bias.

Wrapping It Up: Be Kind Online, Folks

So, there you have it. Social media has thrown a massive wrench into the works of defamation law. It’s easier than ever to ruin someone’s reputation with a few keystrokes, and the legal system is still scrambling to keep up. The law is trying to balance our precious right to speak freely with the equally important right to protect our reputation from unfair attacks. It’s a balancing act performed on a high wire, swaying in the winds of constant technological change.

Ultimately, while laws and platforms grapple with these big issues, maybe a little personal responsibility goes a long way. Think before you type. Verify before you share. Remember there’s a real person on the other side of the screen. The digital world connects us in amazing ways, but it also gives our words incredible power – let’s try to use it wisely

Love, companionship, and the desire to share a life together are fundamental human experiences. While marriage has traditionally been the most accepted form of partnership in India, live-in relationships are becoming increasingly common. More couples today choose to cohabit before—or instead of—getting married. But what does the law say about these relationships? Are partners protected? What rights do they have?

In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know about live-in relationships in India—their legal standing, rights, challenges, and evolving societal acceptance.

Are Live-in Relationships Legal in India?

If you’re wondering whether live-in relationships are legal in India, the simple answer is yes. The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that two consenting adults have the right to live together, even if they are not married. This falls under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.

For instance, in S. Khushboo v. Kanniammal (2010), the Supreme Court stated that live-in relationships are not illegal and are protected under fundamental rights.

Similarly, in Lata Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2006), the Court ruled that adult couples choosing to live together cannot be harassed or punished.

However, while live-in relationships are not illegal, they do not have the same legal status as marriage, which creates complications when it comes to rights like inheritance, maintenance, and property division.

Legal Rights of Partners in Live-in Relationships

Live-in relationships do not have a dedicated legal framework in India, but courts have interpreted various laws to offer certain protections to partners.

One of the most crucial protections is against domestic violence. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) extends its provisions to women in live-in relationships. In Indra Sarma v. V.K.V. Sarma (2013), the Supreme Court ruled that women in such relationships can seek legal protection from abuse, just as married women can.

Another key aspect is the right to maintenance. If a woman is abandoned by her partner, courts have ruled that she may be entitled to financial support. In Chanmuniya v. Virendra Kumar Singh Kushwaha (2011), the Supreme Court held that a woman in a long-term live-in relationship should be entitled to maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), provided the relationship resembled a marriage.

Property and inheritance rights are more complicated. Unlike married couples, live-in partners do not automatically inherit each other’s property. However, if they have contributed financially toward acquiring a property, they may claim a legal share. The Supreme Court, in Velusamy v. D. Patchaiammal (2010), stated that financial contributions can establish ownership rights. In Vidya Dhar v. Sukhrana Bai, the Court recognized that partners who cohabit for a long period may have inheritance rights unless proven otherwise.

Children born in live-in relationships have clearer legal rights. The Supreme Court has ruled in multiple cases—Tulsa v. Durghatiya (2008) and Revanasiddappa v. Mallikarjun (2011)—that such children are legitimate and have the right to inherit their parents’ self-acquired property. However, ancestral property rights remain ambiguous and often require legal intervention.

Adoption laws, however, present a challenge. Under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority) guidelines, only married couples or single individuals can adopt. This means that live-in couples cannot legally adopt as a unit.

There is also a growing debate on the registration of live-in relationships. While there is no legal requirement for registration, some states, such as Uttarakhand, have proposed laws making registration mandatory to provide clarity in cases of separation, property disputes, or abuse.

Challenges Faced by Live-in Couples in India

Despite judicial recognition, live-in relationships still face significant challenges in India. Social stigma remains one of the biggest hurdles, with families and communities often disapproving of such relationships. This can lead to harassment, estrangement, or even legal battles when family members contest inheritance claims.

Legal ambiguity is another major issue. Since there is no single law governing live-in relationships, partners must rely on court judgments for legal protection, making their rights uncertain. This is particularly problematic when it comes to proving the nature and longevity of a relationship in legal disputes.

Financial security is also a concern. Unlike married couples, live-in partners do not automatically qualify for joint tax benefits, pensions, or medical insurance. If a partner passes away without a will, the surviving partner may have no legal claim to their assets, making financial planning essential for those in live-in relationships.

Recent Judicial Developments

Indian courts continue to shape the legal landscape for live-in relationships. In recent years, there have been several important rulings:

The Punjab and Haryana High Court (2024) ruled that personal liberty includes the right to cohabit, granting protection to a live-in couple. In Nandakumar v. State of Kerala (2018), the Supreme Court reaffirmed that adult couples have the right to live together, regardless of social norms.

In Kamini Devi v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2020), the Allahabad High Court upheld that no one, including family members, can interfere in a live-in relationship. However, the Rajasthan High Court in Rashika Khandal v. State of Rajasthan ruled that a live-in relationship between a married and unmarried individual is not legally protected.

The Way Forward: Do We Need a Law for Live-in Relationships?

While courts have provided some protections, India still lacks a comprehensive legal framework for live-in relationships. Legal experts suggest that reforms should include a uniform policy for live-in relationships across states, clear provisions for financial and property rights, inclusion of live-in partners in social security benefits, and inheritance rights for children born in such relationships without legal hurdles.

Conclusion

Live-in relationships are a personal choice, and as society evolves, so should the law. While courts have made significant progress in protecting partners, a clear legal structure is needed to ensure fairness and security for all individuals who choose this way of life. Whether or not live-in relationships gain equal legal status to marriage, the focus should remain on dignity, protection, and legal clarity for those involved.

It’s always best to stay informed and understand your rights. If you are in a live-in relationship, make sure to plan ahead, seek legal advice when needed, and take steps to protect your interests.

Losing a job can be a stressful experience, but when the termination is wrongful, it becomes even more challenging. Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is dismissed without valid legal grounds or reasons, which violates employment contracts, company policies, or labour laws. If you find yourself in such a situation, here’s what you should do to protect your rights and seek justice.

Understanding Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination happens when an employer fires an employee for unlawful reasons such as discrimination on various grounds, retaliation or seeking revenge from the employee, breach of contract, or violation of employment laws. Some common examples include:

• Being dismissed on the basis of race, religion, age, gender or disability.
• Retaliation for whistleblowing or reporting illegal activities at the workplace.
• Termination that leads to the breach of the terms of an employment contract.
• Being fired in violation of labour laws that require employer to give the employee a fair notice or compensation for the same.

Understanding whether your dismissal falls under wrongful termination is crucial before taking any legal action.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Being fired wrongfully can trigger emotional distress and can even impact your health but it is essential to stay composed under such situation. Take time to evaluate the reasons given for your termination and determine whether they violate any employment laws or terms of the employment contract.

2. Gather Evidence

Documentation is crucial in wrongful termination cases. Collect everything related to your employment such as employment contracts, termination letters, email correspondence, performance reviews, and any relevant workplace policies. If you suspect discrimination or retaliation, gather proof such as witness statements or records of past interactions.

3. Review Your Employment Contract and Policies

Your employment agreement and company policies may provide termination conditions. If your employer failed to follow due process, you may have grounds for legal action. Pay attention to clauses related to severance pay, termination notice and its duration and dispute resolution mechanisms that can be availed in times of disputes.

4. Seek Legal Advice

Consulting an employment lawyer is highly recommended. A legal expert can assess your case, explain your rights, and guide you on the best course of action. They can help you negotiate a settlement, file a complaint, or pursue litigation against the employer, if necessary.

5. File a Complaint with the Appropriate Authorities

If you believe your termination was due to any unlawful reason, you can file a complaint with government agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the relevant labour authorities in your country. In India, labour courts and tribunals handle such disputes under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. Many cases result in compensation rather than reinstatement, depending on the circumstances.

6. Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution

In some cases, mediation or arbitration can be an easy and quicker process to resolve wrongful termination matters. This approach can help both parties reach a fair settlement without moving to court. Many companies prefer Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods over other methods as they are cost-effective and time-saving.

7. Prepare for Litigation If Necessary

If negotiations fail, filing a lawsuit against your employer may be the only option left. Courts can grant compensation for lost wages, reinstatement, or punitive damages depending on the severity of the wrongful termination and the consequent loss suffered by you. However, courts may not always order reinstatement, as seen in several Indian labour court judgments. Compensation is often the more practical remedy, particularly if significant time has elapsed since termination.

8. Take Care of Your Well-Being

Losing a job can take an emotional and financial toll but understand that nothing is more important than your health. Lean on friends and family for support, seek professional counselling if needed, and start exploring new job opportunities to rebuild your career. Additionally, make sure that you apply for any unemployment benefits or severance pay that you may be entitled to in compliance with labour laws.

Final Thoughts

Wrongful termination can be a significant setback, but knowing your rights and taking the appropriate steps as suggested here can help you seek justice. By staying informed, gathering evidence, and seeking legal assistance, you can hold your employer accountable and protect your professional future. Additionally, understanding labour laws and employee rights can help you prevent unfair treatment in future employment situations. Remember, setbacks are often setups for greater opportunities. Stay resilient, fight for your rights, and trust that a better path lies ahead!

A just and equal society is built on the foundation of women’s rights. Women globally particularly in India, face several  challenges not only in their homes but also at workplaces. Some of them are domestic violence, discrimination and workplace harassment. In order to protect their rights constitutional makers have incorporated certain provisions in the Indian constitution yet lack of enforcement leads to their inefficient use in present scenario. In this blog we will talk about not only the kind of harassment the women face but also legal protections available to women, various safeguards that can be enforced in order to empower women so that they can live with safety and dignity.

Legal Framework for Women’s Rights in India

India’s legal system is comprehensive as it includes constitutional as well as specific  statutes that have been enacted to provide certain rights  and freedom to women . Under part three of our Constitution, provisions  like Article 14 (Right to equality), Article 15 (prohibits discrimination based on gender ) Article 16 (Ensures equal opportunity in employment) , Article 24 (Protects women from forced labour and trafficking ) etc.  provide protection to women and their rights but the enactments of legal statutes provide further safety to women ensuring their well-being.

Addressing Sexual Harassment: The POSH Act, 2013

One of the most significant steps toward protecting women is the enactment of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace ( Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal ) Act, 2013 also known as POSH Act. The Supreme Court’s ruling in a landmark case of Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) majorly contributed to the enactment of this legislation. The decision of the court laid down several guidelines to prevent workplace harassment. The act clearly defines sexual harassment that includes physical contact, unwelcome advances , sexually coloured remarks and inappropriate gestures intended to harm the dignity of women and make her uncomfortable. It prescribes the formation of Internal Complaints Committees ( ICC) in workplaces with ten or more employees and Local Complaints Committees (LCC) at the district level for workers belonging to unorganised sectors. The most crucial part of this act is to make employers accountable for their actions leading to any kind harassment that women may face during employment. According to the guidelines, Employers are also required to conduct awareness programmes while maintaining a safe- working environment for women. Despite these strong steps taken, implementation gaps persist. Lack of understanding, Fear of retaliation from the perpetrator and losing respect in society ,lack of awareness, and ineffective redressal mechanisms continue to deter many women from reporting workplace harassment.

Protection from Domestic Violence

When women face violence within the confines of her home, it is referred to as domestic violence. To address this issue , The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 came into existence for safeguarding women from physical, emotional, verbal,

economic and sexual abuse. Besides initiating criminal proceedings against the accused, civil remedies such as protection orders, residence orders, and monetary relief are provided to women facing violence so that they can recover from trauma and come back to normal life again.

The Act gives protection not only to wives but also mothers, sisters, and live-in partners engaged in a shared household in a relationship “in the nature of marriage”. Thus it  recognizes the varied forms of domestic violence that takes place. Yet, many women do not report the abuse due to societal pressure or financial dependence on their abusers.

Workplace Equality and Protection against Discrimination

To ensure that men and women receive equal pay for the same work at the workplace , Equal Remuneration Act 1976 was enacted . This was done to prevent gender- based salary disparities. Additionally, The Maternity Benefit Act ,1961 assures paid maternity leave and job security for expecting and new mothers. However, problems like gender bias in promotions, wage gaps , and lack of sufficient childcare facilities for women creates a hurdle for their personal and professional development.

Tackling Dowry Harassment

Although taking and receiving of Dowry is banned, dowry- related harassment remains an ever- increasing problem that women face. The Dowry Prohibition Act ,1961 criminalizes both the giving and taking of dory by husband or his relatives. Section 498A of Indian Penal Code protects women from cruelty and harassment by their husbands or in-laws for dowry related demands. While these laws have been beneficial for the victims but in recent years they have also been misused by some women for imposing false cases against their husband.

Online Harassment and Stalking: Emerging Legal Protections

With the rise of digital platforms, online harassment has increased to two-folds over the past few years. Indian laws have incorporated various new provisions to deal with this issue.

Section 354D of the IPC criminalizes stalking, including online stalking, while Section 66E of the IT Act, 2000, provides punishment for capturing and sharing private and personal images without consent. Similarly, Section 67 of the IT Act penalizes the transmission of obscene material over digital media. Although these provisions do provide protection against digital harassment by miscreants but the lack of awareness on the victim’s part and delayed action by authorities often render them ineffective.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite of robust legal framework, several issues hinder the enforcement of women’s rights in India. One major issue is the lack of awareness, especially in rural areas many women have no knowledge about their rights. Another significant problem is delayed justice in our country. Court cases involving harassment and violence often take years to resolve ,thus  leading victims without timely relief. Social stigmatisation of sexual harassment and domestic violence is also one of the reason why women do not report about the abuse. The lack of efficient implementation of workplace safety laws and guidelines , such as failure to establish ICCs under the POSH Act, further exacerbates the issue.

Conclusion

For achieving gender equality and social justice women’s rights should be protected and legal safeguards be effectively implemented. India has made commendable progress in making these laws but ineffective implantation render then futile. To bridge the gap between legislation and implementation, society needs to change its attitude towards victims and provide support to them, authorities must spread awareness and strongly condemn and punish the perpetrators of these offences against women. Women must be encouraged to exercise their legal rights without fear, and institutions must ensure that legal provisions translate into real-world protection. A society that respects and upholds women’s rights is one that truly advances toward justice and equality.