Abstract

Women in our country almost constitutes one half of total population. We can measure development of a state by position of its women. However, in modern times, women are considered as weaker section because of their economic, political and social backwardness. In previous years, the footing and position of women in society has changed considerably. Undoubtedly, women empowerment and gender equality plays an important role in national s well as international progress. Variety of legal reforms and grassroots initiatives played an important part in strengthening status of women especially in India. From satisfying International Conventions to implementing National policies, India has its share of highs and lows in terms of Women Empowerment. However, Constitution of India has express provisions favouring gender justice but Indian judiciary over the years tried to fill gaps in between. With changing times, there is a continuous need to protect women rights without any discrimination. In many instances, Indian judiciary acted as a guardian or protector of women rights in circumstances where legislation fails to administer justice. Many judicial precedents have been established by the Superior Courts to secure women rights at work place or at home or at any sphere of society. Unlike Legislations, Judicial precedents helped in tackling gross gender injustice problems in hand. Courts on various occasions has strike down legal provisions in conflict with gender justice. For instance, Indian judiciary has always opted for equal inheritance rights of properties in succession. India possess a variety of Legislations framed especially focussing on women empowerment. But these legislations can be easily violated due to their lack of implementation and due to prevalence of male dominated society. In such scenarios, role of Indian Judiciary comes into picture as a watchdog or guardian. Indian Judiciary tries its best to implement these legislations in its full extent. Indian judiciary from time to time, exercised and evolved its jurisdiction with creativity to achieve goal of women empowerment. Powers of SC are of widest amplitude when it comes for implementation of constitutional rights. Recently, President Ram Nath Kovind also stressed on increasing involvement of women in judiciary.

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