Main Article Content
Abstract
Gender-based violence is a problem that is deeply rooted in gender inequality and remains one of the most important violations of human rights in all societies. Gender-based violence is gender-driven violence against a person. Gender-based violence and violence against women are words that are often used interchangeably, as it has been widely recognized that most gender-based violence is perpetrated by men on women and girls. Nevertheless, it is important to use the ‘gender-based' component as it highlights the fact that many types of violence against women are embedded in gender inequalities of power.
The Indian woman was the subject of numerous laws in the post-independence period, with the Women's Protection from Domestic Violence Act 2005 being one of the newest and undoubtedly the most controversial addition to the list. While in some sections it has been eagerly awaited as a step that should significantly strengthen Indian women's position within the family unit, it has been widely criticized as ambiguous, discriminatory, and even potentially dangerous. This article has made an attempt to critically examine its provisions and highlight its positive and negative implications.
Further, laws and policies to promote gender equality have been discussed in this article. Finally, the article attempts to bring the overall impact this law would have on India's family unit and social fabric into perspective. This paper seeks to illustrate the intersection of domestic violence, gender inequality and related laws and policies.