- Some things and issues in our country simply refuse to change. Despite the country’s unprecedented growth in the last few decades, anachronistic mindsets and patriarchal practices continue to rule the roost. Of course, the plight of women in the country has not changed dramatically, even though there have been visible changes in which men are no longer treated as the sole crowning glory. Women continue to play second fiddle to men in a variety of ways that cannot be overlooked. Indeed, terms like gender equality, neutrality, unbiased treatment, and level playing fields are used to emphasize how men and women are treated equally. However, the situation on the ground has yet to bring about complete equality.
PC: Local
- Even now, the male head of the family retains decision-making authority. Few families can claim that women are the sole decision-makers on important matters. Most of us would agree that nothing has changed in this situation. Girls are treated unfairly from birth in terms of clothing, education, work, and, of course, marriages that must pass muster with the head of the family. Choices were limited back then, as they are now. Then some self-appointed moral policemen claim to uphold the country’s tradition and culture while berating the girls/women who choose to deviate from the age-old norms. There are plenty of such traditionalists around.
- The question here is why an adult girl should not be able to choose her partner and live the life she desires. She should, of course. Remember, marriage freedom of choice is a constitutional right that cannot be waived. This is well established as an inherent part of Article 21’s right to life and personal liberty. As previously reported, no less than the Gujarat Chief Minister has joined forces with those who want to restrict adults’ right to marry whomever they want. Thus, the Gujarat CM’s statement that he will look into making parental consent mandatory for marriages if the Constitution supports it is an unusual statement from a constitutional official whose job includes protecting rights. A law of this nature simply cannot be passed.
PC: The Indian Express and Deccan Herald
- Unfortunately, even when there is no doubt that both parties getting married are adults free to marry whomever they want, it is the opposing families who frequently find favor with the authorities. These parents, cops, and other thugs band together to prosecute elopement, although applying the term to consenting adults is illogical. Despite the Constitution’s guarantee of freedom, this only exposes deeply ingrained social norms. After several decades, men and women are finally claiming the liberties granted to us by the Constitution. Young women’s lives and desires are changing dramatically. A CM should not exacerbate injustices when the deck is stacked heavily against women. Allow a woman to marry whomever she wants.
