Today(on 16th July), Senior Advocate Indira Jaising asked the Supreme Court to prioritize the pending marital rape issue, which faced delays during a tax case discussion led by Chief Justice Chandrachud. The case challenges the exemption of married women from filing rape charges against their husbands. Justices have differing views on the constitutional validity of this exemption.
The Bombay High Court ruled in favor of a female employee denied maternity leave by the Airport Authority of India due to having two children. The court emphasized the naturalness of motherhood and the need for employers to show understanding and provide necessary support. The AAI’s denial was invalidated, and the employee was granted maternity leave benefits.
The Calcutta High Court addressed workplace interactions and misuse of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, citing the use of terms like ‘Sweety’ and ‘Baby’. The court found that while the terms were inappropriate, their use did not constitute sexual harassment, cautioning against misuse of the Act to avoid hindering women’s employment opportunities.
On 11th March, The Punjab and Haryana High Court emphasized a woman’s sexual autonomy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, particularly in relation to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. The court highlighted the need for legal recognition and support for unmarried women’s reproductive rights and addressed the ethical implications of their choices.
On International Women’s Day 2024, Indian courts took significant steps to support women’s rights, emphasizing gender equality and empowerment. Landmark judgments addressed workplace gender equality, reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and combatting gender-based violence. Notable cases such as Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan, Suchita Srivastava v. Chandigarh Administration, and Durga v. State of New Delhi contributed to women’s empowerment in India.
A Landmark Judgment on Islamic Law and Women’s Rights In a landmark judgment, the Madras High Court has upheld the principles of equality and fairness in the context of Islamic law and polygamy. The bench, comprising Justice RMT Teekaa Raman and Justice PB Balaji, confirmed a family court’s decision to dissolve a marriage, citing the […]
