Reforming Criminal Laws Through a Gender Lens: Societal Implications and Challenges in the Indian Context

Abstract

The researchers have tried to examine the expansion in the Indian Criminal Justice system based upon the complexities of gender inclusions leading to legislative amendments which were greatly a product of the judicial interpretations. Many new gender sensitive legislations emerged which widened the scope of existing laws that not only protected women, children and LGBTQAI+ but also addressed offences against them while granting them rights for basic human existence. However, there are several unanswered questions of gender equality which the researchers have tried to analyze through comprehensive study of the existing legislations and judicial interpretations. This paper seeks to evaluate the importance of new laws, their impact on the Indian Society considering the social, cultural and the procedural obstacles which still hinder the effective enforcement as well as the further development of gender- neutral laws in India and suggests remedies which would be helpful in bridging the gap between transformative legislations and the societal realities.