9 Laws for Women in India that Every Woman Should Know

Introduction

In India, crimes against women happen every moment. Women are not safe, whether in their homes, in public spaces, or at work. Your safety is in your hands seems like a tired phrase. Given the prevalence of crimes against women, it is critical that they are aware of the laws for women in India to protect themselves.

Always remember that information is power. As a mom, wife, daughter, employee, and woman, you have rights that are designed to protect you, and it is critical that you are aware of the laws for women in India.

Here are some laws for women in India that every woman should be aware of:

1. Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006

The Laws for women in India include the Child Marriage Prohibition Act. It has been difficult to eradicate child marriage since it has been ingrained in Indian culture and tradition for generations.

In 2007, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act came into force. This law for women in India defines child marriage as a marriage in which either the groom or the bride is underage; that is, the bride is under the age of 18, or the boy is under the age of 21.

This law for women in India makes it illegal for parents to marry young daughters. Because the legislation makes these weddings unlawful, it serves as a significant deterrent.

2. Special Marriage Act, 1954

The goal of this law for women in India is to establish a special form of marriage in some instances, register certain marriages, and allow for divorce. When persons from various faiths and castes choose to marry in a country like India, with its many religions and castes, they do so under the Special Marriage Act.

This law for women in India does not apply to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, but it does apply to prospective spouses who are Indian nationals residing overseas. 

3. The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961

The taking or giving of dowry to the bride or bridegroom and their families during the marriage is prohibited under this law for women in India. In India, the dowry system, or the giving and taking of dowry, is the standard. The groom and his family frequently request dowry from the bride and her family.

Because women go in with their spouses and in-laws after marriage, the system has taken root. Bride burning has also stemmed from women’s lack of economic freedom and the stigma against divorce over the centuries.

When the girl’s relatives fail to meet dowry expectations even after marriage, many women are tormented, assaulted, and even burned.

It is one of the most pressing issues confronting our civilization. Women openly speaking about it has aided in spreading the message and encouraging other women to speak up for this law for women in India. 

4. The Indian Divorce Act of 1969

The laws for women in India also include the Indian Divorce Act. It provides for marriage dissolution, mutual agreement, nullity of marriage, judicial separation, and recovery of conjugal rights. You have to consult a divorce lawyer and file a petition for divorce.

Your divorce lawyer will brief you about all the formalities that need to be done. Family Courts are set up to file, hear, and decide such matters.

5. Maternity Benefit Act, 1861

This statute governs women’s work and the maternity benefits stipulated by law for women in India. It stipulates that a woman employee who has worked in an organization for at least 80 days in the 12 months preceding her projected delivery date is entitled to maternity benefits such as maternity leave, nursing breaks, medical allowance, and so on.

6. Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971

The Laws for women in India include the medical termination of pregnancy Act of 1971. The Act became effective in 1972 and was revised in 1975 and 2002. The Act’s goal is to minimize the number of unlawful abortions and the associated maternal mortality and morbidity.

This law for women in India describes the criteria under which a pregnancy can be terminated or aborted, as well as the people who are competent to do so.

7. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013

This law for women in India intends to protect women from sexual harassment at work in order to ensure their safety at work. Sexual harassment at work also involves the use of sexually charged words, invasion of private space by a male coworker who is too near for comfort, and subtle touches and innuendos. Women can take legal consultation from a professional lawyer regarding any such issues.

8. The Indecent Representation of Women (Prevention) Act of 1986

This law for women in India makes it illegal to depict women indecently in advertisements, publications, writings, paintings, figures, or in any other way.

9. Equal Remuneration Act, 1976

This law for women in India prohibits remuneration discrimination. It advocates equal remuneration for men and women workers.

It is critical to understand these and other regulations in place to defend the rights of women. By taking legal consultation from professional lawyers and being aware of your rights, you can combat any injustice meted out to you at home, at work, or in society.

Establishing a National Commission for Women

The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory organization formed by the Government of India in January 1992. This law for women in India advocates for women’s rights and gives a voice to their issues and concerns. The National Commission for Women Act aims to increase women’s status and economic empowerment.

Conclusion

Social and cultural standards are anticipated to evolve as the times change. However, it is disheartening that, even in this contemporary period, when larger things are happening and bigger issues exist around the globe, our culture still considers women’s freedom and right to equality to be one of the greatest dangers.

The issue is one of attitude, and women will continue to face sexism until the male chauvinist mentality is shaken to its core. As a result, it is critical that women be educated and made aware of their rights and laws for women in India under the Indian constitution so that they do not succumb to such cultural pressures and prejudice.