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Showing posts from September, 2024

Custodial abuse laws in India : Protecting the Human Rights

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 "Custodial violence is indeed a harsh reality in India, and it's a reflection of the systemic failure of the country's criminal justice system " , as pointed out by Justice A.K. Ganguly, former Supreme Court Judge. This issue has been a long-standing concern, with numerous cases of police brutality, torture, and human rights violations reported across the country. Recently, the issue came into the picture when the fiancée of an Army officer alleged sexual assault at a police station in Bhubaneswar, and recounted that she was beaten up, choked, stripped, stamped on her chest and pulled by her hair by police officers. I wonder the number of cases that would have gone unreported and the silent violence behind the bars. India does not have a separate law on torture. It has signed the UN Convention Against and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, but not ratified the same into domestic law. There was an attempt to ratify this Convention i...

Know Your Rights: Understanding Domestic Violence Laws

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Know Your Rights: Understanding Domestic Violence Laws In the fight for gender equality, one of the most critical aspects of legal literacy is understanding the laws surrounding domestic violence. Domestic violence affects millions of women worldwide, and while many countries have made strides in providing legal protections, a large number of women remain unaware of the rights and remedies available to them. Empowering women with this knowledge is a crucial step towards safety, justice, and empowerment. This blog aims to break down the essentials of domestic violence laws so that you can be better informed and ready to act if needed. What is Domestic Violence? Domestic violence isn’t just physical abuse. It is a broad term that encompasses multiple forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, and verbal abuse. Domestic violence occurs within relationships—whether marital, live-in, or familial—and is an attempt to establish control over another pers...

Navigating Pregnancy and Maternity Leave: Essential Legal Rights Every Expecting Mother Should Know

Pregnancy is a transformative and exciting period in a woman's life, but it often brings a set of complex legal and workplace issues. Unfortunately, many expecting mothers are unaware of their legal rights during pregnancy and maternity leave, leading to a range of problems from financial stress to discrimination. Here’s a guide to understanding these rights and ensuring they are not overlooked. The Overlooked Reality: Lack of Awareness and Neglect Many women enter maternity leave unprepared for the challenges they may face, primarily due to a lack of awareness about their legal rights. This knowledge gap can lead to situations where rights are not fully exercised or protected, resulting in financial strain, job insecurity, and emotional distress. Employers, sometimes unintentionally, may fail to provide necessary support or even violate legal requirements due to these gaps in understanding. Understanding Your Maternity Leave Rights 1. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)    - ...