A Critical Analysis Of The Grave And Sudden Provocation From A Reasonable Woman’s Perspective
- IJLLR Journal
- Jan 7
- 1 min read
Saundarya Shankarraman, O.P. Jindal Global University
ABSTRACT
The paper critiques the gendered construction of the defence of "grave and sudden provocation" in Indian law, while highlighting how this specifically marginalises the lived realities of women experiencing abuse. It critiques the narrow and biased framework of the reasonable man standard and explores the psycho-social phenomenon of the Battered Woman Syndrome as a partial legal defence. Using landmark cases like R v. Ahluwalia and Manju Lakra v. State of Assam, the paper advances the argument for Indian judicial systems to incorporate a more gender sensitive and inclusive interpretation of the "grave and sudden provocation" so as to ensure equitable dispensation of justice.
