Pragya Sakshi, Amity University, Patna
ABSTRACT
Women's right to property has been a contentious issue in India for decades. Historically, Indian women had very limited rights to property, as it was usually inherited by male heirs. In recent years, however, there have been significant legislative reforms to improve women's access to property. These reforms include changes to inheritance laws, the introduction of property regimes for women, and measures to prevent the eviction of women from their homes. Despite these changes, women in India still face significant challenges in accessing and owning property, particularly in rural areas where traditional patriarchal attitudes persist. Ongoing efforts to improve women's property rights in India are critical to advancing gender equality and empowering women to achieve greater economic independence and security.
Gender inequality manifests itself in many ways in India, but most often in the area of effective property rights. Various laws have been enacted to eliminate women's economic dependence and provide them with high status and equal rights. In addition, the Indian Constitution ensures equal rights and strengthens women's property rights and access to economic resources. Despite all this, the situation of women remains unchanged. The deplorable situation of women is due to illiteracy, lack of knowledge and non- application of the Women's Protection Act. Due to family norms, societal shame and associated expectations, women themselves are also less interested in asserting their property rights.
