{"id":21928,"date":"2026-04-12T12:43:44","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T12:43:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=21928"},"modified":"2026-04-12T12:46:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T12:46:16","slug":"justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/","title":{"rendered":"Justice Is not Gendered \u2014 But Our Laws Still Are"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"introduction-law-and-pain\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction_When_Law_Sees_Only_One_Kind_of_Pain\"><\/span>Introduction: When Law Sees Only One Kind of Pain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Justice is supposed to be fair \u2014 equal for everyone, without bias. But in India, many laws still only recognise one kind of victim. If you are a woman facing abuse, the law sees you. But if you are a man, a transgender person, or anyone outside the traditional frame, your pain often goes unnoticed \u2014 not because it is less real, but because it does not fit the legal definition of who a victim should be.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Introduction_When_Law_Sees_Only_One_Kind_of_Pain\" >Introduction: When Law Sees Only One Kind of Pain<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Property_And_Divorce_Gender_Bias_In_Practice\" >Property And Divorce: Gender Bias In Practice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Article_14_And_The_Reality_Of_Inequality\" >Article 14 And The Reality Of Inequality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#What_Are_Gender-Neutral_Laws\" >What Are Gender-Neutral Laws?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Maintenance_Is_Not_A_One-Way_Street_%F0%9F%99%82\" >Maintenance Is Not A One-Way Street \ud83d\ude42<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Section_125_Of_CrPC_Section_144_Of_BNSS\" >Section 125 Of CrPC = Section 144 Of BNSS<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Hindu_Adoptions_And_Maintenance_Act_HAMA_1956\" >Hindu Adoptions And Maintenance Act (HAMA), 1956<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Muslim_Personal_Law\" >Muslim Personal Law<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Parenting_Is_Not_Gendered_Natural_Guardianship_Must_Be_Equal\" >Parenting Is Not Gendered: Natural Guardianship Must Be Equal<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Under_The_Hindu_Minority_And_Guardianship_Act_1956\" >Under The Hindu Minority And Guardianship Act, 1956<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Under_Muslim_Personal_Law\" >Under Muslim Personal Law<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Guardianship_And_Wards_Act_1890\" >Guardianship And Wards Act, 1890<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Property_Rights_Belong_To_All_%E2%80%94_Not_Just_Man\" >Property Rights Belong To All \u2014 Not Just Man<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Constitutional_Provisions\" >Constitutional Provisions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Rape_Is_Not_Just_Her_Story\" >Rape Is Not Just Her Story<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Statistics_And_Data\" >Statistics And Data<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Recent_Incidents\" >Recent Incidents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Important_Case_Law\" >Important Case Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Legal_Gap_In_BNS_2023\" >Legal Gap In BNS 2023<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Understanding_Sexual_Violence\" >Understanding Sexual Violence<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#He_Bleeds_Too_The_Untold_Side_Of_Domestic_Abuse\" >He Bleeds Too: The Untold Side Of Domestic Abuse<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#But_Heres_The_Problem\" >But Here\u2019s The Problem:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Legal_Gap_Under_BNS_Section_85\" >Legal Gap Under BNS Section 85<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#When_Divorce_Favours_One_Gender\" >When Divorce Favours One Gender<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Key_Legal_Inequalities\" >Key Legal Inequalities<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Recent_Changes\" >Recent Changes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Need_For_A_Uniform_Divorce_Law\" >Need For A Uniform Divorce Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Who_Arrests_Whom_The_Transgender_Dilemma\" >Who Arrests Whom? The Transgender Dilemma<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#POCSO_A_Glimpse_Of_What_Gender-Neutral_Law_Can_Be\" >POCSO: A Glimpse Of What Gender-Neutral Law Can Be<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#What_Makes_POCSO_Gender-Neutral\" >What Makes POCSO Gender-Neutral?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Why_This_Is_Important\" >Why This Is Important?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Criminal_Law_Amendment_Bill_2019_A_Step_Forward\" >Criminal Law Amendment Bill, 2019: A Step Forward?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#What_Makes_It_Different_From_Other_Laws\" >What Makes It Different From Other Laws?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Why_Is_This_Bill_Helpful\" >Why Is This Bill Helpful?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Change_Of_Wording\" >Change Of Wording<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Article_14_The_Soul_of_Gender-Neutral_Justice\" >Article 14: The Soul of Gender-Neutral Justice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Landmark_Judgments_on_Gender_Equality\" >Landmark Judgments on Gender Equality<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Shayara_Bano_v_UOI_2017\" >Shayara Bano v. UOI (2017)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Indian_Young_Lawyers_Association_v_State_of_Kerala_2018\" >Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala (2018)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#NALSA_v_Union_of_India_2014\" >NALSA v. Union of India (2014)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Navtej_Singh_Johar_v_UOI_2018\" >Navtej Singh Johar v. UOI (2018)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Core_Principle_of_Article_14\" >Core Principle of Article 14<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Conclusion_Justice_Should_Not_Ask_Your_Gender_First\" >Conclusion: Justice Should Not Ask Your Gender First<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Need_for_Gender-Neutral_Laws\" >Need for Gender-Neutral Laws<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/justice-is-not-gendered-but-our-laws-still-are\/#Ground_Reality_of_Unrecognised_Victims\" >Ground Reality of Unrecognised Victims<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it is maintenance, custody, rape, or domestic violence, our legal system still assumes that only women suffer and only men harm. But that is not how real life works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Men can be harassed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transgender persons can be raped.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fathers can be nurturing parents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Women can be aggressors too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The law rarely reflects this truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"property-divorce-gender-bias\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Property_And_Divorce_Gender_Bias_In_Practice\"><\/span>Property And Divorce: Gender Bias In Practice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to property and divorce, the law often favours men. In most families, sons are given more importance than daughters when it comes to inheritance. Transgender persons are rarely even considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In divorce cases, especially under some personal laws like Muslim law, men often have more control \u2014 whether it is about ending the marriage or keeping property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This creates an unfair situation where:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Women are left with fewer rights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transgender persons receive minimal recognition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support systems remain unequal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These laws do not reflect the reality of modern families or relationships. Everyone deserves equal say, equal share, and equal protection &#8211; no matter what their gender is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"article-14-equality\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Article_14_And_The_Reality_Of_Inequality\"><\/span>Article 14 And The Reality Of Inequality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Article 14 of the Indian Constitution provides \u201cequal protection of law and equality before law\u201d, i.e. no person is above the law, and all are subject to the same laws and to be treated equally by the law and in the same circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, justice in India has a gender:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Legal Area<\/th><th>Bias<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Property Rights<\/td><td>Favours males<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Harassment Laws<\/td><td>Recognises only female victims<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now it is high time to look over these problems and consider the law beyond labels. Justice is for everyone because pain does not ask your gender \u2014 and neither should the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"gender-neutral-laws\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Gender-Neutral_Laws\"><\/span>What Are Gender-Neutral Laws?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Gender-neutral laws are legal rules that apply equally to all genders \u2014 male, female, transgender, and non-binary \u2014 without assuming traditional gender roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They aim to ensure fairness and equality, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Allow any spouse to claim maintenance, regardless of gender.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let both parents be considered equal in custody decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recognise same-sex marriages and LGBTQ+ families.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove gendered terms like \u201chusband\u201d and \u201cwife\u201d from statutes, replacing them with \u201cspouse\u201d or \u201cpartner\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"maintenance-not-one-way\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maintenance_Is_Not_A_One-Way_Street_%F0%9F%99%82\"><\/span>Maintenance Is Not A One-Way Street \ud83d\ude42<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"crpc-bnss\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Section_125_Of_CrPC_Section_144_Of_BNSS\"><\/span>Section 125 Of CrPC = Section 144 Of BNSS<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintenance rights are available to wives, minor children, adult children with disabilities, and parents who are unable to maintain themselves, and the right can be claimed from a person with sufficient means who neglects or refuses to provide for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A wife can claim maintenance if she is unable to support herself, provided she is not living in adultery or separated from her husband without sufficient cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>However:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A husband cannot claim maintenance even if he is unable to maintain himself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Even if the wife has sufficient means, the law does not support him.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Section 144 of BNSS feeds the idea that only women can be abandoned \u2013 and only men must pay. Maintenance should be about need, not gender. But the law still sees only one kind of dependent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hama-1956\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hindu_Adoptions_And_Maintenance_Act_HAMA_1956\"><\/span>Hindu Adoptions And Maintenance Act (HAMA), 1956<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Section<\/th><th>Provision<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Section 18<\/td><td>A Hindu wife is entitled to be maintained by her husband during her lifetime.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Section 19<\/td><td>A widowed daughter-in-law has a right to maintenance from her father-in-law.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>No provision in the Act allows a husband to claim maintenance from his wife \u2014 even if he is unemployed, disabled, or abandoned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The law assumes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Men are always providers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Women are always dependents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This reflects a patriarchal mindset where financial vulnerability is only legally recognised for women, not for men or transgender persons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The law says a wife must be maintained \u2014 but never asks if a husband might need it too. Section 18 protects her dignity. But where is his? Maintenance is not about gender. It is about survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"muslim-personal-law\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Muslim_Personal_Law\"><\/span>Muslim Personal Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The men are liable to maintain their wives during the duration of marriage and even after the dissolution of the marriage in the iddat period. Therefore, it is the obligation of the husband to provide maintenance to his wife, irrespective of whether the financial condition of the husband is good or bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No provision under traditional Muslim law allows a husband to claim maintenance from his wife, even if he is unemployed, disabled, or abandoned. The law does not recognise men as dependents in the marital relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Need does not wear a gender \u2014 and neither should maintenance. If justice is blind, why does maintenance still see only women? Support should be for the dependent, not just the wife. A hungry husband deserves dignity too \u2014 not silence from the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"guardianship-laws\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Parenting_Is_Not_Gendered_Natural_Guardianship_Must_Be_Equal\"><\/span>Parenting Is Not Gendered: Natural Guardianship Must Be Equal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hmga-1956\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Under_The_Hindu_Minority_And_Guardianship_Act_1956\"><\/span>Under The Hindu Minority And Guardianship Act, 1956<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For a legitimate boy and an unmarried girl, the natural guardian is the father and after him, the mother.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For an illegitimate child, the mother is the natural guardian, and after her, the father.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For the married minor girl, the husband is the natural guardian.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Why should guardianship depend on gender or marital status, instead of who actually cares for the child?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Why is the father automatically preferred?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What if the mother is more capable?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How can a husband be guardian of a minor girl when child marriage is prohibited?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"muslim-guardianship\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Under_Muslim_Personal_Law\"><\/span>Under Muslim Personal Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Under Muslim personal law, the natural guardian is also the father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"guardianship-and-wards-act-1890\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Guardianship_And_Wards_Act_1890\"><\/span>Guardianship And Wards Act, 1890<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Guardians and Wards Act puts the child\u2019s welfare above parental rights or gender roles. It allows for gender-neutral guardianship, unlike many personal laws that prioritise the father. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best parent is not defined by gender \u2014 but by care. Guardianship should be earned through nurture, not assumed through tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"property-rights-belong-to-all\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Property_Rights_Belong_To_All_%E2%80%94_Not_Just_Man\"><\/span>Property Rights Belong To All \u2014 Not Just Man<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Property rights in India are not the same for everyone. They are shaped by a mix of religious and secular laws, and for a long time, these laws have mostly favoured men. Even though laws like the Hindu Succession Act were changed to give daughters the same rights as sons, things do not always work that way in real life \u2014 especially in villages, where old customs still dominate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In inheritance under Muslim law, the Quran says that a daughter should get half the share of what a son receives. While this is based on religious rules, it shows a clear gender gap. When we look at it from the point of view of constitutional equality, it raises serious questions about fairness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For transgender people, the situation is even harder. Most property laws do not mention them at all. To claim any rights, they are often forced to choose between being seen as male or female, which ignores their identity and creates big problems when it comes to inheriting property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inheritance is not just about property \u2014 it is about dignity. And the law still denies it to many. Transgender persons do not fit the law\u2019s boxes \u2014 so the law leaves them out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"constitutional-provisions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Constitutional_Provisions\"><\/span>Constitutional Provisions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, unequal property rights reflect ongoing discrimination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This raises concerns about violation of constitutional equality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rape-laws-and-gender-bias\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rape_Is_Not_Just_Her_Story\"><\/span>Rape Is Not Just Her Story<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>India\u2019s rape laws still define the victim as a woman and the perpetrator as a man. This narrow framing leaves male and transgender victims invisible in the eyes of the law. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, Section 63 continues to treat rape as a gender-specific crime, ignoring the reality that anyone can be sexually assaulted \u2014 regardless of gender or identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many believe that men are stronger; therefore, they must be able to defend themselves against rape. A man not able to defend himself is an absurd impossibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"statistics-and-data\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Statistics_And_Data\"><\/span>Statistics And Data<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>According to the NISVS 2010 Report:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1 in 5 women (18.3%) have been raped.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 in 71 men (1.4%) have been raped.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>27.8% of male victims experienced rape before age 10.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transgender people are over four times more likely to be sexually assaulted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NCRB 2022 reported zero transgender rape cases (indicating underreporting).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2014\u20132015 study: 31.5% of transgender women faced forced first sexual experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"recent-incidents\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recent_Incidents\"><\/span>Recent Incidents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>October 2025: 25 transgender women in Indore attempted mass suicide due to police inaction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"important-case-law\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_Case_Law\"><\/span>Important Case Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Case<\/th><th>Key Principle<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>X vs. State of Uttarakhand (2019)<\/td><td>Recognised trans woman\u2019s right to register rape complaint under women&#8217;s laws<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Priya Patel v. State of M.P (2006)<\/td><td>Woman cannot have intention to commit rape under existing law<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal-gap\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legal_Gap_In_BNS_2023\"><\/span>Legal Gap In BNS 2023<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Section 63 defines rape as a man assaulting a woman.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excludes:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Men<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transgender individuals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-binary persons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These groups are not legally recognised as rape victims.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"understanding-sexual-violence\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_Sexual_Violence\"><\/span>Understanding Sexual Violence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rape and sexual abuse are not just women\u2019s issues \u2014 anyone can be a victim, including men, boys, and transgender people, no matter their gender or sexual orientation. What matters to the attacker is not the victim\u2019s identity \u2014 it is about power and control, not desire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most cases of rape are committed by men against women and children, but women can also be perpetrators \u2014 harming men, children, or other women. That is why it is so important to remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Every victim deserves to be heard, believed, and supported.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The blame always lies with the attacker \u2014 never the victim.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sexual violence is a crime.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Justice must protect everyone, not just some.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"he-bleeds-too-domestic-abuse\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"He_Bleeds_Too_The_Untold_Side_Of_Domestic_Abuse\"><\/span>He Bleeds Too: The Untold Side Of Domestic Abuse<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Domestic Violence Act (2005) was designed to protect wives and female live-in partners from abuse by their husbands or male partners. It also extends protection to women who are mothers, sisters, or widows facing violence within the household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-problem-gender-gap\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"But_Heres_The_Problem\"><\/span>But Here\u2019s The Problem:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Men, transgender persons, and non-binary individuals who face domestic violence have no legal protection under this Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A son abused by his mother<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A transgender partner beaten by their spouse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A male elder neglected by his family<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>None of them are covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This creates a legal blind spot, where protection is based on gender, not on the presence of violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bns-section-85-issue\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legal_Gap_Under_BNS_Section_85\"><\/span>Legal Gap Under BNS Section 85<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Under Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which replaces Section 498A of the IPC, protection is offered only to wives who face cruelty or harassment from their husbands or in-laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While this was a major step in protecting women from dowry abuse and domestic violence, it still excludes male and transgender victims who face similar harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What about a husband bullied by his wife?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What about harassment by in-laws?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What about false dowry cases or emotional abuse?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The law does not see them. It assumes only women can be victims \u2014 and only men can be perpetrators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This one-sided approach not only violates the principle of equality under Article 14, but also silences countless victims who suffer without legal support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"divorce-laws-gender-bias\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Divorce_Favours_One_Gender\"><\/span>When Divorce Favours One Gender<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"different-personal-laws\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Legal_Inequalities\"><\/span>Key Legal Inequalities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Law<\/th><th>Issue<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Muslim Personal Law<\/td><td>Men can divorce unilaterally through talaq.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Indian Divorce Act, 1869 (Christian Law)<\/td><td>Until 2001, women had to prove adultery plus cruelty or desertion, while men only had to prove adultery.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Though amended, court delays and patriarchal attitudes still make it harder for women to access justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When men can easily walk out of a marriage, but women are stuck fighting for a way out \u2014 that is not real equality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"recent-legal-changes\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recent_Changes\"><\/span>Recent Changes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Supreme Court has declared instant &#8220;triple talaq,&#8221; which allowed men to unilaterally divorce their wives, having no second thought, unconstitutional, protecting Muslim women from this practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"uniform-divorce-law\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Need_For_A_Uniform_Divorce_Law\"><\/span>Need For A Uniform Divorce Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If India had one simple divorce law for everyone, it could help make things fair for all genders \u2014 whether someone is a man, woman, or transgender person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Right now, different laws treat people differently, and sometimes one gender has more power or easier access to justice than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A uniform law would remove these unfair rules and make divorce more equal and balanced for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But to do this, India would need to create new laws and take a careful, thoughtful approach that protects everyone\u2019s rights and promotes true equality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"transgender-arrest-dilemma\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Arrests_Whom_The_Transgender_Dilemma\"><\/span>Who Arrests Whom? The Transgender Dilemma<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Under Section 46(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, there are special rules for arresting women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Women can not be arrested after sunset or before sunrise unless there is an urgent reason<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A female police officer must be present<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>But here\u2019s the issue:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This law mainly protects biological females. It does not clearly say anything about transgender women \u2014 people who identify and live as women but were assigned male at birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, when a transwoman is arrested, it is unclear whether she gets the same protection. This legal gap can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mistreatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confusion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Denial of rights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, men are usually arrested by male officers, but there is no strict rule \u2014 sometimes female officers may be present too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But for transgender persons, especially those who do not fit into the male\/female binary, the law offers no clear guidance on how arrests should be handled respectfully and safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pocso-gender-neutral-law\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"POCSO_A_Glimpse_Of_What_Gender-Neutral_Law_Can_Be\"><\/span>POCSO: A Glimpse Of What Gender-Neutral Law Can Be<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, is one of the few laws in India that is truly gender-neutral \u2014 at least in how it defines victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-makes-pocso-neutral\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Makes_POCSO_Gender-Neutral\"><\/span>What Makes POCSO Gender-Neutral?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It protects all children under 18<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It includes boys, girls, and transgender children<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It does not assume only girls are victims<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This means a boy who is molested, or a transgender child who is assaulted, is equally protected under the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-pocso-important\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_This_Is_Important\"><\/span>Why This Is Important?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most Indian laws \u2014 like those on rape or domestic violence \u2014 only protect women and ignore male and transgender victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But POCSO shows that it is possible to write laws that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Focus on the crime, not the gender of the victim<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer equal protection to everyone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Send a strong message that sexual violence is wrong \u2014 no matter who the victim is<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>POCSO proves that protection does not need a gender \u2014 just a child in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"criminal-law-amendment-2019\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Criminal_Law_Amendment_Bill_2019_A_Step_Forward\"><\/span>Criminal Law Amendment Bill, 2019: A Step Forward?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This bill was introduced to change some parts of India\u2019s criminal laws, especially the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its main goal is to make the law more gender-neutral, especially in cases of rape and sexual assault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"difference-from-existing-laws\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Makes_It_Different_From_Other_Laws\"><\/span>What Makes It Different From Other Laws?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most Indian laws \u2014 like Section 375 IPC or Section 63 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 \u2014 define rape as a crime committed by a man against a woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This leaves out male and transgender victims, who also face sexual violence but are not legally recognised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"benefits-of-bill\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Is_This_Bill_Helpful\"><\/span>Why Is This Bill Helpful?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It gives legal protection to all victims, not just women<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It helps transgender persons and men report sexual violence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It avoids reliance on outdated laws like Section 377<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It supports Article 14 of the Constitution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It encourages a fairer justice system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wording-changes\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Change_Of_Wording\"><\/span>Change Of Wording<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The bill replaced gendered terms like \u201cwoman\u201d or \u201cman\u201d with the word \u201cperson\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It used neutral terms like \u201cgenital,\u201d \u201coral,\u201d or \u201canal penetration\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It did not assume offender or victim gender<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It allowed any person to be victim or perpetrator<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The bill was introduced as a private member\u2019s bill, which was not passed into law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"article-14-the-soul-of-gender-neutral-justice\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Article_14_The_Soul_of_Gender-Neutral_Justice\"><\/span>Article 14: The Soul of Gender-Neutral Justice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Article 14 says that every person is equal before the law \u2014 not just men or women, but everyone, including transgender and non-binary individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It promises two things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Equality before law:<\/strong> No one is above the law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Equal protection of laws:<\/strong> Everyone should be treated fairly by the law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This article does not mention gender \u2014 and that is powerful. It means the law must protect all genders equally, not just the male-female binary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"landmark-judgments-on-gender-equality\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Landmark_Judgments_on_Gender_Equality\"><\/span>Landmark Judgments on Gender Equality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"shayara-bano-v-uoi-2017\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shayara_Bano_v_UOI_2017\"><\/span>Shayara Bano v. UOI (2017)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Court declared instant triple talaq unconstitutional.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It protected Muslim women\u2019s right to equality, showing that religious practices must also follow gender justice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"indian-young-lawyers-association-v-state-of-kerala-2018\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Indian_Young_Lawyers_Association_v_State_of_Kerala_2018\"><\/span>Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala (2018)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Court allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple, ending a gender-based ban.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It reinforced that exclusion based on gender violates equality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nalsa-v-union-of-india-2014\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"NALSA_v_Union_of_India_2014\"><\/span>NALSA v. Union of India (2014)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Supreme Court said transgender persons are a \u201cthird gender\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It used Article 14 to say they deserve equal rights and legal recognition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This case proved that equality is not limited to just men and women.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"navtej-singh-johar-v-uoi-2018\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Navtej_Singh_Johar_v_UOI_2018\"><\/span>Navtej Singh Johar v. UOI (2018)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Court struck down Section 377, which criminalised same-sex relationships.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It said that LGBTQ+ people have the same rights to dignity, privacy, and equality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Article 14 was used to protect people regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"core-principle-of-article-14\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Core_Principle_of_Article_14\"><\/span>Core Principle of Article 14<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Article 14 does not ask who you are \u2014 it asks if you are being treated fairly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion-justice-should-not-ask-your-gender-first\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_Justice_Should_Not_Ask_Your_Gender_First\"><\/span>Conclusion: Justice Should Not Ask Your Gender First<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In a fair society, justice should protect everyone equally \u2014 no matter if they are male, female, transgender, or non-binary. But in India, many laws still treat people differently based on gender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some laws only protect women<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Others assume only men can be offenders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This creates gaps in protection, leaving many victims unheard and unprotected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"need-for-gender-neutral-laws\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Need_for_Gender-Neutral_Laws\"><\/span>Need for Gender-Neutral Laws<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We have seen how laws like the POCSO Act show that gender-neutral protection is possible. We have also seen how Article 14 of the Constitution promises equality for all \u2014 and how landmark cases like NALSA, Navtej Singh Johar, and Shayara Bano have pushed the boundaries of gender justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ground-reality-of-unrecognised-victims\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ground_Reality_of_Unrecognised_Victims\"><\/span>Ground Reality of Unrecognised Victims<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine going through deep trauma \u2014 being abused, broken, and left with invisible scars \u2014 only to be told that your suffering does not count because you are not the \u201cright\u201d gender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That is the reality for many men, boys, and transgender persons in India who face sexual violence but are not recognised by the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Issue<\/th><th>Impact<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Not counted in crime records<\/td><td>Lack of visibility and recognition<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Not protected at work<\/td><td>Increased vulnerability<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Not seen in policies<\/td><td>Exclusion from legal safeguards<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The silence around their pain is not just a legal gap \u2014 it is a message that says: \u201cYou do not exist.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is why gender-neutral laws they are not just about changing legal words \u2014 they are about making sure every survivor is seen, heard, and protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Because pain does not have a gender, and justice should not either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Justice must see the truth, not the gender.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction: When Law Sees Only One Kind of Pain Justice is supposed to be fair \u2014 equal for everyone, without bias. But in India, many laws still only recognise one kind of victim. If you are a woman facing abuse, the law sees you. But if you are a man, a transgender person, or anyone<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1364,"featured_media":21932,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[342,28],"class_list":{"0":"post-21928","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-family-law","8":"tag-family-law","9":"tag-top-news"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gender-neutral-laws-india-legal-bias-equality.webp","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21928","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1364"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21928"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21928\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21932"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21928"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}