Women and Law

Unit I — Protection of Women: National and International Perspectives

Special Protection for women · Constitutional Perspective · International Dimensions · Obligations to make Special Provisions-Feminist Movements-Contributions of NGOs at National and International Level.

• Position of Women under International instruments — Salient features of Convention for Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and optional protocols to the Convention
• Constitutional concern — Article 15(3), Article 21A, Articles 23, 24, 28, 29 Article 39

Unit II — Specific offences against Women and Girl Child

Prevention of Female Foeticide · Checkson Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques-International and National Perspectives-Women Rights in Relation to Offences of Miscarriage-Cruelty against Women-IPCProvisions

• 2.1Pre-conception and pre-natal diagnostic techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 and Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971
• Criminal Laws and Women
• Safeguards under Indian Penal Code, 1860, Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, Tort law, Contract law and partnership law

Unit III — Response of Law against crimes against Women

Crimes Against Women-Special Provisions-Offences of Rape · Marital Rapes-Adultery · Prostitution · Trafficking · Assault · Kidnapping · Abduction · Dowry Death · Sati · Indecent Representation of Women · Obscenity · Cyber Crimes

• Criminal Laws and Women
• Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
• Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
• Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956
• Cruelty by husband or relatives of the husband IPC Chapter XX-A: Section 498A
• Introduction to Cyber Crimes

Unit IV — Women in Criminal Trials

Special Provisions in Trial of Offences involving Women-Women as Accused Criminality among women · and Victim · Arrest and Detention · In Camera Proceedings-Role of Court · Shifting of Burden of Proof.

Unit V — Women as Victim in Crimes

Compensation for Women Victims of Crime · Special Provisions in relation to Domestic Violence · Right to Maintenance-Special Protection of Women in Prison

• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
• Maintenance of Wives, Children and Parents — Section 125 to