Legal
Coverage to Men & Women
The application of the provisions of Indian Criminal &
Civil procedure codes is not uniform to Men & Women. Certain clauses give
special protection to women as they are considered as feeble and delicate human
beings, unlike men folks who are strong and can withstand strenuous life style.
As the women belong to the weaker section of the society, the protection by the
law was essential to save them from atrocities and sexual harassment by the
antisocial elements.
But the present social scenario is different. The new
generation, both men & women are equally competent to adopt or choose any
type of job to maintain themselves.Women are now claiming equal status with men
in almost all spheres of life. The job opportunities are equal in all the
departments and in certain areas they are proving better suited, than men in
the professional field. Even criminal activities are also committed by women
individually or in connivance with the notorious men who take advantage of the
provisions of the law. Women knowing that the law will protect them (under
section 498 etc), overact and establish contact with notorious criminals and waylay
innocent people….
The women of the modern society are not following the “old
dress code”. They are using Men’s attire and move about “hitch hiking” unlike
the olden days where women moved in modesty in public places. This change in life
style of modern women has proved that there need not be any discrimination or
disparity between the Men & Women in the society. The old saying- “Frailty
thy name is Woman “is no more applicable to them. It can be “Cruelty thy name is
Women & Men” in the modern context!
Under the circumstances the Law of the land, applicable to
human beings, both in the Criminal Procedure Code & Civil procedure Code and
any other provisions of the Law, must be the same for Men & Women of the
modern era. No special provisions are necessary according to my view.
Abraham Mangalath Philip