Madras High Court Judge G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, at an awareness programme in Namakkal, said that many progressive laws have been enacted in our country to improve the dignity and safety of women.

A district-level awareness programme for gender sensitisation and elimination of violence against women was held on the premises of District Government Medical College on Saturday (July 26, 2025). Principal District and Sessions Judge R. Gurumurthy delivered the welcome address.

Speaking at the programme, Justice Ilanthiraiyan said the laws that promote gender equality, equity, empowerment of women, and prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace are being fully implemented. They are the foundation of a civilised society. As guardians of the law, we are responsible for justice for every citizen. He emphasised that yet, for a long time, justice has remained unequal in its delivery, especially along gender lines.

Justice Ilanthiraiyan shared that over the years, India has enacted several progressive laws to address gender injustice and to enhance the dignity and safety of women. “Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Indian Constitution guarantee the right to equality, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005; the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013; the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961; the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017; the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006; and the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994, provide protection and empower women,” he added.

Stating that laws, no matter how much progressive, can only achieve their objectives if they are properly implemented, Justice Ilanthiraiyan said that women across the country faced challenges ranging from gender-based violence, discriminatory employment practices, political underrepresentation, and culture.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2022 report, more than 4.5 lakh cases of crimes against women have been registered, which is more than in previous years. The female labour force participation rate in India is at 32.8%, significantly lower than the global average of 50%. Women constitute only 15% of the members of the Lok Sabha. The proposed Women’s Reservation Bill, which would provide 33% reservation for women in Parliament and Legislative Assemblies, remains an aspiration rather than a reality. Women now account for 43% of STEM graduates in India, one of the highest in the world, he added.

On Saturday morning, Justice Ilanthiraiyan laid the foundation for the construction of five judicial officers’ quarters at the master plan complex in Namakkal.