Is The Indian Legal System In Sync With The Goal Of Gender Equality?

Mridulika Pandey, B.A. LL.B, University of Allahabad

ABSTRACT

Gender Equality also known as sexual equality or equality of the sexes, is the state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation and decision-making; and the state of valuing different behaviors, aspirations and needs equally, regardless of gender. The Constitution of India tried to deliver gender Justice through a number of constitutional measures like the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSP etc. and these ideals are implemented through various schemes and policies by the Indian legislature but despite these efforts India is still lagging behind in achieving gender parity as recently Gender Gap Index was released by World Economic Forum in which India’s rank has fallen to 135 out of 146 countries. The researcher through this paper seeks to detail out the legal protection given to women in Indian society and whether that legal protection is sufficient or not by analyzing the constitutional provisions, statutory provisions and judicial pronouncement pertaining to gender equality. This paper also aims to suggest some remedial measures which can secure gender justice to the utmost level in the Indian society.

Keywords: Gender Equality, Women Empowerment, women’s right, Gender Gap Report