India shining? At least after the various Supreme Court verdicts, this phrase seems quite true.
The Triple Talaq, Adultery Law and the recent Sabarimala Temple case are all revolutionary decisions that will change the way a woman lives in this country.
The Supreme Court has delivered landmark verdicts that bridge the existing gap between men and women. Steps that have made positive inroads into the huge problem of gender inequality that has existed in India since time immemorial. The Supreme Court judgements have received thumps up from women across the country, who have called it a strong and progressive decision on gender equality.
Let’s understand how each of these three verdicts impact the position of women, from now on.
The Triple Talaq law was a deterrent to the position of Muslim women in a marriage. The decision has manifold implications. Not only does it uplift the status of Muslim women in a marriage but also strengthens the fact that each and every Indian has the privilege to basic fundamental rights.
The Adultery law dented the individuality of women and treated them as mere objects who were governed by their husbands after marriage. Scrapping the law, has given them an edge to take decisions, approach the legal system and be the master of their future.
The recent case of Sabarimala Temple, where for decades, women of a certain age group were denied entry because of man-made rituals. But the verdict upheld the dignity of women and have now allowed all ages to enter the temple. The court clearly stated that the practice of age restriction on entry of women to the temple cannot be treated as an essential religious practice.
As India moves forward in the 21st century, it is essential that these actions be taken. At a time when the country is battling with humongous issues of women safety and security, education backwardness and gender discrimination, these verdicts are the whiff of fresh oxygen that the country needs to breathe in. A woman’s position in the social eco-system of the country has been neglected for far too long. They need to come forward, shoulder to shoulder, with dignity, respect and pride.
Laws such as these are the by-products of an extremely archaic patriarchal law. Though the move has come late, nevertheless, it has come and it is welcomed.
The onus is now on the government to uphold the laws and the society to imbibe them in spirit and action. A change in law will only get translated into ‘real’ action, when the society starts adopting. The government and each citizen of the country has to make this happen.
By understanding the legal system of the country, taking pride in ensuring gender equality is practiced, by not succumbing to societal pressures and by being righteous citizens, these laws can actually see genuine implementation.
Yes, it will take time to change deep-rooted mindsets, but in the end, it is the individuality of every human being, whether man or women, that needs to be respected.
And through the various verdicts, the Supreme Court has, done exactly that!