Supreme Court (SC) emphasized on the need for stricter implementation of existing laws for Women Empowerment

Posted 08 Mar 2025

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Through such observations and judgements, Indian judiciary has time and again played an important role in women empowerment.

Role of Judiciary in empowerment of Women

Preventing Sexual Harassment: In Vishaka Sawhney v. State of Rajasthan (1998), SC laid down exhaustive guidelines to prevent sexual harassment of women in workplace.
Upholding Women Rights: In Shayara Bano v. Union Of India (2017), SC held Triple Talaq as unconstitutional infringing on the fundamental rights of women.
Gender Equality: In Danamma @ Suman Surpur v. Amar (2018), SC upheld the equal right of a daughter as son in ancestral property.
Reforming Criminal Laws: In Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018) SC struck down Section 497 IPC that criminalises adultery assuming woman as the property of the husband.
Wage Equality: In Randhir Singh v. Union of India (1982), SC recognized "equal pay for equal work" as a constitutional goal under Article 39(d).

Constitutional
- Fundamental Rights: Article 14 (right to equality), Article 15(1) (prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex), etc.
- Directive Principles: Article 42 (State to make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief), etc.
Legislative Frameworks: Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005; The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, etc.