The constitution of India has granted equal rights to the men and women. According to article 14– “The State shall not deny to any person equality before law or the equal protection of laws within the territory of India”. And Article 15 states – “State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them,. But today, it seems that there is a wide gulf between theory and practice. The women in India have always been considered subordinate to men. Though the articles contained in the constitution mandates equality and non – discrimination on the grounds of sex, women is always discriminated and dishonoured in Indian society. Although various efforts have been taken to improve the status of women in India, the constitutional dream of gender equality is miles away from becoming a reality. Though, Human Rights are the minimum rights which are compulsorily obtainable by every individual as he/she is a member of human society. But it has been found that each and every right of the women is being violated in one or another way. The crimes against women in India are increasing at a very fast pace.
There is a need to discuss the rights of the women separately as women represents more than half the population of India, yet she is discriminated and violated in every sphere of her life. Only women are a prey to crimes such as rape, dowry, bride burning, sexual harassment, selling and importation, prostitution and trafficking etc.
Post Contributed By:
Ashish Ransom
Indian Institute of Legal Studies
