Page 46 - Constitution
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70 Years of Indian Years of Indian
Constitution
Constitution
The Apex Court ruled that if any family provides valid identity mentioning reason for purchase. Any
member or any member of the society purchase of acid has to be reported by the dealer to the
opposes such a couple or inflicts any kind police within a stipulated timeframe.
of violence on them for going into inter- Being a woman, my concerns are very spontaneously
religious or inter-caste marriage would aimed at women’s welfare through education, development,
face arrest and legal action empowerment and equal opportunities.Raising voice against
violations of women’s rights and safeguarding their rights
and safe environment for women at their workplace on the have been my constant refrain at any given time and at
owners. This has benefitted large number of women working forum. Why do I or other like-mined women have to do so
in establishments with unconventional duty hours. This in a country that worships Shakti? Why do atrocities happen
again upholds the right of women not to be denied equal when women are protected under the Constitution of India
opportunities of employment due to safety concerns. which grants equal rights to all including every woman?
The Supreme Court judgement allowing an adult woman Despite States being empowered to draw up programmes
the right to marry or live with anyone of her choice is another in favour of women to eradicate socio-economic
milestone upholding women’s right to choose their partners discrimination, provide equal opportunities in education
was in response to the petition filed by Lata Singh who was and employment, and a status at par with men in national
harried and implicated in false allegations for choosing to polity, what is hindering us on many fronts? These profound
marry a man of ‘low’ caste. questions bother me and as a respected citizen and artist of
The Apex Court ruled that if any family member or any the country, I look for and every opportunity to express my
member of the society opposes such a couple or inflicts any concerns and seek redressal.
kind of violence on them for going into inter-religious or inter- Increasing representation of women in Parliament I
caste marriage would face arrest and legal action. believe would be the real game changer. This trend is on
The credit for the law banning over-the-counter-sale of acid the rise supported by strong sentiments on ‘Equity’ which
goes to Laxmi, an acid attack victim, who sought legal action has resulted in strong voices of women being heard in the
to implement stringent measures to regulate sale of acid as parliament. Women in African countries have fought the
well as provide adequate compensation to the tormented. tyranny of customs and cultural practises which are biased
Taking exception to the rising number of acid attacks on against them.
women, the Supreme Court imposed strict regulations on the Again here, women parliamentarians have played a defining
sale of acid, making it mandatory not to be sold to anyone role in bringing about changes through legislation. With more
below 18 and that the dealer can sell only after the buyer ''women parliamentarians in the House'' conventional gender
46 70 Years of Indian Constitution
