- The world over, women are still struggling to gain equal footing vis-à-vis their male counterparts on matters of importance despite humanity existing in the so-called advanced times. Even a basic right like the freedom to choose life partners hasn’t succeeded for Indian women willing to exercise the Constitutionally guaranteed rights. Humankind has witnessed tremendous advancements, innovations, developments, and unprecedented technological inventions ushering in mind-blowing opportunities for all concerned. However, the deeply entrenched patriarchal, misogynistic, and medieval practice of male chauvinism has simply failed to yield to the calls for gender parity. Progress of women has taken place, but not on expected lines. That’s the fact.
PC: Down To Earth
- Indian leadership from time to time has introduced several measures to ensure talks of gender equality do not remain on paper. Nonetheless, there simply exists no level playing field that could preclude any prejudices usually associated with a patriarchal mindset still widely prevalent. Needless to mention, an individual’s right to exercise freedom of choice is at the heart of the Constitution. The moot point to ponder over here is whether the tone and tenor of the Constitutionally mandated rights are being allowed to flourish in the extremely muddied milieu. Unfortunately, the aim of the Constitution hasn’t always been achieved because communities continue to exercise vice-like grips, especially on women.
- Let us look at the two incidents of recent times. In Parliament, one of the BJP MPs termed live-in relationships as dangerous and wanted a law to prohibit them. Separately, an Islamic scholar in Kerala accused Left parties of persuading Muslim women to marry outside their religion. Needless to mention, exercising choice in marriage is globally a recent phenomenon. It came about because of social changes catalyzed by successive industrial revolutions. Moreover, in many societies, like in India, communities and families are reluctant to give precedence to what two individuals may want. Let’s not forget a dowry-related tragedy usually involves families and is rarely limited to an individual. One can imagine what could be the psyche of women under these circumstances.
PC: TOI
- Remember, the deep-rooted conservative streak in our society has been evident in some crucial judgments. Majority opinion often tilts towards tradition. This overturned some early attempts by the legislature to protect individuals from the wrath of community leaders. For instance, the 1949 legislation to protect individuals from the adverse effects of ex-communication of religious authorities did not find favor with a constitutional bench of the Supreme Court. Of course, constitutional rights related to freedom don’t limit themselves to protection against an overbearing state. Sadly, neither the state nor the judiciary can consistently protect individual rights. Thus, the struggle for women to exercise choice continues, including choosing partners.
