Key Reforms

• Abolition of Sati System:
  • What It Was: A Hindu custom where widows were expected to immolate themselves on their husband's pyre.
  • Legal Action: Abolished in 1829; further reinforced by the Sati Prevention Act, 1987.
  • Impact: Eradicated this harmful tradition.
• Maintenance Rights for Muslim Women:
  • Key Case: Mohd. Ahmad Khan v. Shah Bano Begum (1985).
  • Legislation: The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986.
  • Impact: Balanced secular and religious considerations in maintenance rights.
• Free Education as a Fundamental Right:
  • Key Case: Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka.
  • Legislation: Article 21A of the Constitution.
  • Impact: Enabled access to education for children aged 6–14.
• Right to Information (RTI):
  • Key Case: State of UP v. Raj Narain (1975).
  • Impact: Ensured transparency and accountability in governance.
• Abolition of Polygamy:
  • Legal Action: Criminalized under Section 494 IPC and restricted by laws like the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872.
  • Impact: Reinforced monogamy as the societal norm.
• Prohibition of Child Marriage:
  • Legislation: The Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929.
  • Impact: Reduced instances of child marriage by defining minimum age limits.

Modern Developments

• Laws for Rape Victims:
  • Legislation: The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013.
  • Impact: Introduced stricter punishments and victim compensation.
• Recognition of Live-in Relationships:
  • Supreme Court Ruling: Consensual live-in relationships between adults are legal.
  • Impact: Acknowledged evolving social norms.
• Female Infanticide:
  • Legislation: The PCPNDT Act, 1994.
  • Impact: Curbed prenatal sex determination and protected female children.
• Elimination of Child Labour:
  • Legislation: The Employment of Children Act, 1938.
  • Impact: Safeguarded the rights and development of children.

Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

• Definition: Allows public-spirited individuals to file cases on behalf of marginalized groups.
• Impact:
  • Broadened access to justice for disadvantaged communities.
  • Empowered judiciary to address public concerns.

Conclusion

• Role of Law: Acts as a tool for addressing social inequalities and fostering inclusivity.
• Achievements: Legislative reforms and judicial activism have significantly advanced social justice in India.
• Way Forward:
  • Continued vigilance and reforms are essential to ensure laws remain instruments of positive change.