J U D G M E N T

NEENA BANSAL KRISHNA, J “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time”

– Ruth Bader Ginsburg

1. Men and women historically were born equal. However, over a period of time, with the advancement of civilization and hierarchical division of society, women have been pigeonholed according to gender roles which progressed into an act of prelation that has relegated them to a secondary position in society. Consequently, the once egalitarian society became a breeding ground for chauvinism and discrimination in the form of Sati, Child Marriage, Sexual Harassment, Domestic Violence, Dowry Harassment and such like disparages. Legislature has time and again, brought forth reforms to overcome this bigotry and free women from the shackles of such specious fetters devised by mankind thereby enabling her to achieve her full potential and march shoulder to shoulder with men.

2. Despite robust legislations, real change has been slow due to the pervasive ambivalence and deeply ingrained stereotypes. This is where Courts assume significance for facilitation of implementation of the laws resulting in actualisation for the stakeholders. This has been true, especially in the laws